Bould beats former team-mate Adams in race to become Wenger's new assistant



Steve Bould has won the race to become Arsenal's new No 2 as Wenger plots the biggest shake-up to his coaching set-up of his 16-year reign.



Reserve team manager Neil Banfield is also set for promotion and will be new first-team coach.



Current assistant manager Pat Rice will sit in the Gunners' dug-out for the final time this weekend as Wenger's trusted aide retires after 44 years with the club.



Ex-Arsenal defender Bould, who made 372 appearances, is in his 11th year of working with the club's academy set-up.



Wenger's man: Steve Bould will be Arsenal's new assistant manager

Bould, who has helped nurture talents such as Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and Walcott, has impressed Wenger with his coaching attributes.



It is also hoped Bould's defensive expertise can improve a rearguard that has conceded 47 goals this season.

Stepping down: Pat Rice will leave Arsenal at the end of the season

Sportsmail exclusively revealed last week how Gunners legend Tony Adams had failed to persuade Wenger to give him the assistant manager's role as the club was keen to promote internally.