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[Getty Images]James Ellis has witnessed Mikel Arteta's Arsenal revolution first-hand. More than that, he's been an influential figure in the club's rise.Ellis joined the Gunners from Fulham in 2021, and last summer was promoted to the role of technical director.Prior to that he had been head of recruitment - playing a key role in identifying several of the squad battling to win the club's first Premier League title since 2004.He left the club in February following a restructuring of the football leadership team.So how does Ellis feel about the prospect of watching a parade he was due to be involved in?He is magnanimous as he reflects on his departure, saying it doesn't rankle and insisting it hasn't diluted his ambition to return to football. And he provides an insight into the behind-the-scenes workings at the club.Title win 'wonderful for all staff at the club'Arsenal are top of the Premier League - six points ahead of Manchester City before the two teams meet at the Etihad Stadium this weekend. On Wednesday, they reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.The Gunners have stuttered of late but remain in a strong position. When Ellis left, they were five points clear with 11 games to go."Of course, it would have been nice to stay around to see what, hopefully, unfolds," Ellis told BBC Sport."However, it was not meant to be and I just hope for everyone - and I mean everyone - that there is a sense of happiness, contentment and joy at the end of the season."Of course it would be a wonderful achievement for Mikel, staff, the players their families. But also for those who have been at the club for a number of years, those who have contributed to getting to this point."The staff that are in the background, that no-one knows - it is for those people I will be really happy for."I am a lifelong Arsenal supporter, so I will just now be the fan - a supporter that looks on hopefully when success comes the club's way. The fact that I have managed to work at my boyhood club is an added bonus."Ellis' role in identifying signingsEllis' contribution to the evolution of the club shouldn't be underestimated.Entrusted by former sporting director Edu, his interim successor Jason Ayto and former club director Tim Lewis, Ellis was key in implementing the recruitment structures the club rely on today.When he arrived in 2021, Ellis was tasked with improving what was coined Arsenal's 'football intelligence' unit in the UK, with a view to helping the club make better-informed market decisions.Arsenal - more than ever before - are leaning on emerging technologies and data analytics to inform their market decisions; or to put it differently, help them avoid the recruitment mistakes that marked the end of Arsene Wenger's reign and Unai Emery's 18 months in charge.Ellis has been a key driver towards the implementation of those talent-identification systems, which are used in the pre-academy, academy and across the senior programmes for the men's and women's teams.During his time at the club, his responsibilities would grow, and he became the club's technical director in June 2025. That meant his remit extended to supporting the implementation of new-look internal structures, including the player development and pathway process.The 34m signing of Jurrien Timber from Ajax in the summer of 2023 has been cited as one of 'football intelligence' unit's most prominent successes, though many would argue Declan Rice's arrival from West Ham in the same close season has been the biggest triumph."In any rise, I believe it is the sum of all the parts, rather than one process or person. I was very lucky to be working with some very talented people," Ellis said."My role was very much in the background when I arrived in 2021 - Edu, Jason, Tim Lewis and Mikel were very much on the start of the journey to bringing success back to the club."We all wanted to make the place better with people at the heart of it. We were all committed to a plan over a period of time to support the growth and development of performance."All of the time I was at the club, we were all attempting to improve every day - that was the culture we were trying to set."Ellis wants to return with people-focused approachWhile success across all age groups was a major part of the leadership team's priorities list, there was - inevitably - a sharper focus on first-team performance amid an understanding that succeeding at the very top of the club would facilitate prosperity lower down."We were very clear that the red arrow at the front was Mikel, and the first team was the one that we had to support closely," Ellis said."But that was also the pull that allowed us to do more. Consistent first-team performances allowed us to innovate more with the rest of the club, play risk and reward and invest in medium to long term."Ultimately a club is as successful as first-team performance and we all understand that."Edu's exit in 2024 eventually led to Andrea Berta's arrival as sporting director in April 2025.The Italian's impact at the Emirates has earned rave reviews from supporters, with Viktor Gyokeres,Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke among the players signed in the summer.Whether Berta's business eventually ends the club's wait for the title remains to be seen, but Ellis has seen the benefits of the Italian's work first-hand."The change from Edu to Jason to Andrea was an evolution for the club and one natural in any performance environment," he said."There were different approaches, but the goal was the same - to support a high-performing first team winning trophies."And as you can see now, they are very nearly there. All three of them are very different people, who have very different strengths, and all have made a contribution to where the club are now."Ellis, who confirmed his departure from Arsenal through a social media post earlier this month, is looking to return to the game in time for next season in a senior leadership role."I feel I have unfinished impact and objectives I would like to achieve," he said."I have been through rejection, education, coaching, scouting, senior leadership all in this and would like to carry on."And when he does return, Ellis insists people will be central to his ethos."I believe that investment in people is so important in high performance," he said. "You undoubtedly need all of the technology, the data, the facilities you can have to support, but it's the people that are irreplaceable - connections, relationships, support, understanding, care and motivation."Those who you lead, those who work for you or around you, they are so important."Latest Arsenal news, analysis and fan viewsAsk about Arsenal - what do you want to know?

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that Iran will participate in the World Cup for sure despite its war with the United States.Speaking at CNBCs Invest in America Forum, Infantino said it is important that Iran participates in the World Cup even though its participation has been in doubt since the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes on the country.The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes, Infantino said. We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation. As I said, that would definitely help. But Iran has to come. Of course, they represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play.Infantino met with the Iranian national team in Antalya, Turkey, two weeks ago and said Wednesday he was impressed.I went to see them. They are actually quite a good team as well," Infantino said. "And they really want to play and they should play. Sports should be outside of politics now.Infantino acknowledged it's not always possible to achieve the separation of sports and politics.OK we dont live on the moon, we live on planet Earth," Infantino said. "But you know if there is nobody else that believes in building bridges and in keeping them, you know, intact and together, well we are doing that job.The United States will co-host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico.Iran is scheduled to play two group-stage games in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle.The war has raised doubts about Irans participation in the World Cup. There have been conflicting public comments from Iranian government and soccer officials. U.S. President Donald Trump discouraged the Iranian team from attending the tournament, citing safety concerns.___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Snooker's biggest names gathered in Sheffield today to bid farewell to John Virgo, the beloved player and commentator who passed away suddenly at his Spanish home in February at the age of 79.The memorial service took place at Sheffield Cathedral this afternoon, just a stone's throw from the Crucible Theatre where this year's World Championship begins on Saturday.It was a fitting tribute to a man whose voice became synonymous with the sport he loved.Virgo's widow, Rosie Ries, attended alongside a remarkable turnout of snooker royalty, while fans and wellwishers lined up outside the cathedral to hear the service broadcast through loudspeakers.The event was organised by 1997 world champion Ken Doherty and snooker's Master of Ceremonies Rob Walker.Gary, Virgo's son, delivered a heartfelt eulogy that moved the congregation deeply. He spoke of his father's humble origins in Salford and his passion for Manchester United, though it was snooker that truly captured his heart.Reflecting on his dad's television career, Gary said: "His gift for humour and mimicry began to shine. This talent for entertaining led to the next chapter - Big Break. My dad always insisted the success of that show was really down to the game of snooker itself and the players who came on."He added: "At his core, he only remained what he'd been from the very beginning - just a lad from Salford who loved snooker."The eulogy prompted a spontaneous burst of applause from those gathered.Brooke-Leah, Virgo's daughter, then read a moving poem incorporating her father's famous catchphrases: "Where's the cue ball going we heard him call with a twinkle in his eye as he loved it all."The cathedral welcomed an extraordinary gathering of snooker legends. Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry was there, alongside fellow greats Steve Davis, Dennis Taylor, Jimmy White and John Higgins.Shaun Murphy, Mark Williams, Neil Robertson, Mark Allen and John Parrot also attended, with presenter Radzi Chinyanganya and Tony Knowles among the congregation.One notable absence was Ronnie O'Sullivan, though World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis explained the depth of his connection to Virgo."John was like a second father to him," Francis revealed. "I witnessed in Spain his grief at losing JV."Dennis Taylor, a long-time friend of Virgo, joined fellow Canadian legend Cliff Thorburn in paying their respects to a man who had touched so many lives in the sport.Ken Doherty, who helped arrange the service alongside Rob Walker, described Virgo as a "wonderful character" whose voice was "synonymous with snooker."Walker addressed the congregation from the altar, expressing his gratitude for the turnout: "It is absolutely incredible that so many of you have chosen to be with us here in Sheffield."He praised Virgo's lasting impact on the game: "John's personality and wit lit up the sport we love for more than half a century. This is our final chance to say our goodbyes properly to a man who is gone but not forgotten."Around 600 fans were able to attend the cathedral service, with a reception following at Sheffield Town Hall featuring drinks and canapes.Virgo's final BBC commentary came just 17 days before his death, covering the 2026 Masters final in January.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

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