Arsenal defender Mark McGuinness has spoken of U18 coach Kwame Ampadu's decision to leave last month.

Ampadu quit his long time post with the Gunners to join Thierry Henry's coaching team at AS Monaco.

McGuinness told arsenal.com: "We have a new head coach in Ken Gillard after Kwame Ampadu left to join Thierry Henry at Monaco. Ken was Kwame's assistant and like Kwame he's able to find the balance between having a laugh with the lads and cracking down and getting work done. It has been seamless really because their management styles are so similar.

"Kwame announced his plans when we were all in the gym. It happened quite quickly really. He explained that it was a great opportunity for him and his family and how much he had enjoyed working with us. He then sat down with each of us individually with words of advice and encouragement, which was nice. We all wish him well as he is a fantastic coach and person."