The 71 year old has been let go from his scouting role, as Arsenal seek to modernise their recruitment strategy. According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal plan to adopt a more data-driven model. It is thought that Rice doesn’t own a computer.
Pat Rice has been with Arsenal for over 50 years, and is best known for haunting the dugout during Arsรจne Wenger’s reign.
A spokesperson for the club said: ‘After discussions between management and the board, Arsenal have taken the difficult decision to hand Rice his Pilau45.’
Arsenal's Technical Director, Edu Gaspar, was the one to break the news to Rice. ‘Of cous cous it was hard for Pat to take', Edu explained. 'At first he didn't believe me. I took him by the shoulders, looked him in the eyes and said: "What it boils down to, Rice, is you're just not woking in your role anymore. You no longer wok for us", and I think he got the picture.'
When asked what this meant for the Irish pensioner, the club responded: ‘We will be pudding Rice in an ambassadorial role.’
They continued: 'We are grainful for his service and believe Arsenal will continue to Uncle Benefit from Rice as a figurehead for the club, in spite of his views on the troubles.’
From everyone here at GITG, we wish Rice the very best for the future.
