Arsenal have revealed that Kelly Smith will join Jonas Eidevall’s coaching staff for the remainder of the season.

Smith, who played for the Gunners in three separate spells between 1996 and 2017, has been coaching at the academy, but she will now also work with the first team on a part-time basis until the summer. Smith says she is delighted to join the backroom team:

“After speaking with Jonas (Eidevall) and Clare [Wheatley, the club’s head of women’s football] it was a really easy decision to join the coaching set-up here. The club have been really supportive in helping me complete my A Licence and take the next step in my own post-playing career. I love this club and it’s such a great feeling to be wearing the Arsenal badge once more.”

It is believed that Smith will be working with the senior squad twice a week, taking training sessions along with Eidevall and the rest of his staff. She will also be in the dugout for the team’s remaining fixtures this campaign.

The Gunners take on Wolfsburg in the Champions League semi-final second leg on Monday evening, with the tie finely poised at 2-2 after the first game.

With injuries to key stars, including Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Vivianne Miadema, Arsenal have been defying expectations but having Smith’s experience on the touchline should prove invaluable for the players out on the pitch.