Forgotten ex-Arsenal ace was released by Arsene Wenger and now manages one of the world’s worst football teams
FORMER Arsenal star Chris Kiwomya now manages the British Virgin Islands.
The ex-forward, 53, spent three years at Arsenal during the 1990s.
PAChris Kiwomya previously managed Notts County[/caption]
Getty Images – GettyHe played for Arsenal during the 1990s[/caption]
Kiwomya joined the Gunners from Ipswich for £1.25million under George Graham in 1995.
He played 17 times for Arsenal, scoring three goals before being axed by Bruce Rioch following George Graham’s departure.
Arsene Wenger then loaned him to Le Havre and Selangor before he was eventually sold to Queens Park Rangers in 1998.
Following his playing retirement, Kiwomya took up coaching roles within Arsenal and then Ipswich’s academies.
In 2013 he landed the Notts County job, building an exciting side around future Celtic and Manchester City stars Callum McGregor and Jack Grealish.
He left his role that October and would have to wait eight years for his next managerial position.
In 2021 he accepted the top job as British Virgin Islands boss.
With the Carribbean island having not won a match at the time since 2012 Kiwomya was taking on quite a challenge.
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But in a picturesque setting, he has gone about trying to improve the 204th out of 207 ranked side in the Fifa rankings.
Earlier this year the British Virgin Islands beat Turks & Caicos 3-1 in the Concacaf National League – their first win since a 2012 triumph over Anguilla.
Following the historic moment, Kiwomya told local outlet TWTD: “I’m really happy that we the team could make history for the BVI.
“It’s a difficult situation with the players because they are not professional apart from one and I don’t get to train all the squad together on a regular basis.
“However, I like a challenge and developing players and they have taken on board what I’ve asked from them. It also helps that the BVI has beautiful islands!”
The achievement even saw Kiwomya thanked by British Virgin Islands Premier Natalio Wheatley.
He added: “It was great having the Premier at the game and meeting him. He was really impressed with the performance and the improvement in the players within the last 12 months.
“I’m not getting carried away with the result. It’s just one step on a long journey.”
