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Monday, 7 May 2007, 15:44 GMT 16:44 UK

Akers to stay on as Arsenal coach

Kelly Smith (left) and Jayne Ludlow fired Arsenal Ladies to FA Cup victory Vic Akers vowed to continue as coach of Arsenal Ladies after seeing his side seal the Quadruple with a 4-1 win over Charlton in the FA Women's Cup final.

Reports suggested the 60-year-old could retire after his team won the league, Uefa Cup, League Cup and FA Cup.

But asked if he would carry on next season, he told BBC Sport: "Absolutely.

"I'm proud of the team. It is a marvellous achievement. They have been fantastic. They were tired today but in the end we came through good winners."

Jayne Ludlow, who scored two first-half goals to put the Gunners in control, paid tribute to Akers - who is also the kit man for the Arsenal men's team.

"He has been here for 20 years and I think he will be here for another 20 years yet," joked the 28-year-old Wales captain.

"This won't kill us, we'll go again next season and learn from the mistakes we made"
Charlton striker Eni Aluko

"The players all owe a lot to him - as does the club and women's football in general - so I hope he enjoys today."

By avoiding defeat against Everton Ladies on Wednesday, Arsenal will end the season unbeaten but Ludlow is already looking to the next campaign.

"We need to retain our league title and win the FA Cup again and we want to be European champions again," she said.

"The crowd has been brilliant today and hopefully they will get bigger and better next season."

Charlton striker Eni Aluko, who provided the main threat to Arsenal, said her team could take heart from the defeat because they were thrashed 9-2 by the Gunners in April.

"In terms of outfield play, I think we matched them in the first half. The set-pieces killed us, really," said the 20-year-old England international.

"The girls should be proud of the way we played - especially considering the result we had against them in the league.

"One thing about us is we always believe. This won't kill us, we will go again next season and learn from the mistakes we made.

"Arsenal have some top players. They have set the benchmark and everyone needs to be looking to be at that standard."




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Related to this story:

Arsenal Ladies 4-1 Charlton Women (07 May 07 |  Women )
Arsenal Ladies win league title (26 Apr 07 |  Arsenal )
Arsenal 0-0 Umea (agg 1-0) (29 Apr 07 |  Women )

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