Akers bows out in style

Arsenal 2-1 Sunderland
The FA Women’s Cup sponsored by E.ON
The Final
1pm, Monday 4 May 2009
Pride Park, Derby County FC

Arsenal Ladies coach Vic Akers was described as 'an inspiration' after steering the Gunners to their fourth successive FA Women's Cup triumph.

Goals from Katie Chapman and Kim Little proved enough to seal a 2-1 victory over Sunderland in The Final at Pride Park, but the Northern Premier Division side did not let Arsenal have it all their own way, despite the Gunners adding yet another honour to their extensive list with a Premier League title also in their sights when they play Everton next Sunday.

Arsenal had to wait for a stoppage time goal from Little before they could safely say the trophy was theirs.

Although the match saw 62-year-old Akers bow out as manager after 22 years at the helm, he was still critical of Arsenal's display.

"We didn't play well but we were worthy winners, we'll have to play better against Everton," he said.

"Sunderland are a very good up and coming side and no disrespect to them at all, but I never doubted we would do it."

Akers then paid tribute to the backing of the men's side of the club for helping to turn Arsenal into the dominant force of the women's game over the past decade.

However, he admitted this has been a tough campaign for him after key players such as Kelly Smith, Alex Scott and Karen Carney left the club.

"This has been my hardest year in managing the team," he admitted.

"But if any side had lost as many internationals as we have, then they would struggle as well."

Akers will not be at Arsenal's last match of the season in Widnes as he is Arsene Wenger's kit man and the men's arm of the club are playing Chelsea in a Premier League match at the Emirates: "I shall be keeping in touch by telephone," he said.

But he admitted it would be hard to stand aside next season: "It'll be very difficult after 20-odd years," added Akers, who said the hunt for his successor will start soon.

"It's a sad situation and it's only just starting to kick in now, that's the last time I will be in the dugout.

"Arsenal Football Club have made this possible, we've been fortunate to be have been backed by a major team. Maybe more clubs should back their women's teams and we could move the game on.

"It's a shame I won't be able to be in the dugout one more time next week."

Goalscorer Chapman paid tribute to Akers and the contribution he has made to the amazing Arsenal Ladies.

"He's been an inspiration to the club," she said.

"Vic has brought some fantastic players here over the years. There's always been a real togetherness about us.

"It was nice to play on a surface like Pride Park, so maybe we should have played a little better than we did."