Port Adelaide Agree To Very Specific Terms With Arsenal

(Image: Getty)

Port Adelaide have released head of high performance Darren Burgess to football powerhouse Arsenal.

After being handpicked by coach Arsene Wenger, Burgess will join the EPL giant under the following terms (as reported on the Power website):

Under the transition terms agreed between Port Adelaide and Arsenal, Burgess will:

• Return to Alberton in late July to continue to supervise the club's high performance program for the end of the home and away season
• Should Port Adelaide take part in the AFL finals series, return to Alberton for the entire duration of the finals campaign
• Return to Alberton in both October and November to plan and implement Port Adelaide’s 2017/18 pre-season program
• At that time hand over to a successor whose international search and recruitment process will be led by Burgess
• Undertake daily remote consultation with Port Adelaide’s high performance team and football program, including coach Ken Hinkley, for the duration of this transition period
• Remain an integral part in Port Adelaide’s China high performance program

Burgess expressed his gratitude to Port Adelaide for the opportunity.

“Reaching this decision has been one of the toughest decisions in my professional career”, said Mr Burgess.

“My family loves the lifestyle of Adelaide and more importantly we love everything about the Port Adelaide Football Club.

“However, the opportunity to return to the English Premier League and work at one of the world’s most successful sporting organisations in Arsenal is an opportunity I simply couldn’t refuse.

“I look forward to continue having a relationship with Port Adelaide from afar and thank the entire club for their support and many great memories over two stints.”