Arsenal's backroom overhaul: Tom Allen departs after 22‑year title

On a quiet morning at the Emirates Stadium, Tom Allen slipped out of his office, marking the end of his tenure as Arsenal’s head of sports science performance. The former Aston Villa specialist, who arrived in 2017, leaves just weeks after the club secured its first Premier League crown in 22 years.

Allen oversaw first‑team performance across sports science, physical output, nutrition and performance support. His remit linked directly to the players’ daily training regimes and recovery protocols.

Alongside Allen, head of medical Dr Zaf Iqbal and lead performance coach Sam Wilson are also set to depart. Their exits come only weeks after Arsenal’s title triumph.

The championship season was marred by injury concerns, with several key players missing extended periods. Those absences highlighted the importance of the backroom staff’s expertise.

The departures form part of a review involving external medical expert Joaquin Acedo. Acedo’s relationship with manager Mikel Arteta dates back to their time together at Everton.

Sources close to the revamp say Acedo’s influence on the summer changes has been significant. The club’s restructuring aims to address the injury‑laden campaign that followed the title win.