Back in the 2008/09 season, Arsenal’s U18 side romped to an FA Youth Cup win, beating Aston Villa, Wolves, Sunderland, Tottenham and Manchester City on the way to the final, a final in which they hammered Liverpool 6-2 on aggregate.
So much was made of the win at the time, but what ever happened to the players who started in either leg of the final?
We’ve taken a look:
James Shea
James Shea never played for the Arsenal first team and was released in 2013. He spent time with non-league sides Needham Market and Harrow Borough and is now on the books of AFC Wimbledon.
Craig Eastmond
A familiar face! Eastmond was released by the Gunners and travelled around the lower leagues. He’s now at Sutton United and played against Arsenal in the FA Cup earlier this week.
Thomas Cruise
Famous name, not a famous career unfortunately. Thomas Cruise made one senior appearance for Arsenal in a dead-rubber Champions League tie with Olympiacos in December 2009. He left 2012 and joined Torquay United but was released in 2015. He’s now out of football and works as an accountant.
Kyle Bartley
After loans at Sheffield United and Rangers, Kyle Bartley was sold to Swansea City in 2012. He’s hardly nailed down a spot there and is currently on loan at Leeds.
Emmanuel Frimpong
Perhaps more famous for what he did off the field rather than on it, Emmanuel Frimpong was a larger than life character. He’s had a varied career since leaving Arsenal. He spent time with Barnsley and two Russian sides before moving to Swedish club AFC Eskilstuna, where he is currently playing.
Luke Ayling
Luke Ayling is also at Leeds, having spent time with Yeovil Town and Bristol City.
Henri Lansbury
After numerous loans away from Arsenal, Henri Lansbury was eventually sold to Nottingham Forest in 2012. He spent five years there and is now at Aston Villa.
Francis Coquelin
This is an easy one! Francis Coquelin is a regular starter in the Arsenal midfield.
Gilles Sunu
Gilles Sunu was another who hardly got a sniff of first-team action at Arsenal as he spent time out on various loans. He joined French side Lorient in 2011 and is now at Angers.
Jack Wilshere
Another easy one! Jack Wilshere is a super-talented player but injuries have derailed his career. He’s currently on loan at Bournemouth as he looks to get a full season under his belt.
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
Another player who had numerous loans before being sold, this time to Ipswich. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is now on the books of QPR but he’s currently on loan at Gillingham.
Sanchez Watt
After six loan moves, Sanchez Watt finally left Arsenal in 2013 and joined Colchester United on a free transfer. After a brief spell in India playing for the Kerala Blasters, he’s now at League Two Crawley Town.