Arsenal built by Akers

Vic Akers set up Arsenal LFC while working for the main club's community department 20 years ago; in one month's time he will manage the team in the UEFA Women's Cup final.

'Historic'
Under his command Arsenal have become the dominant women's side in England and at the fifth attempt have made the European showpiece, and meet Umeå IK over two legs on 21 and 29 April. "It's historic in terms of our club," Akers said. "We've been going 20 years, steadily progressed in this tournament with two quarter-finals and 2 semi-finals and now a final, which is a massive boost for women's football in this country. When I came in 20 years ago there were bigger clubs around - Millwall [Lionesses LFC] were the biggest club in London by a long way. We worked hard and we've achieved our goal right now to be the most successful club in the country."

Domestic success
It is back in November that Arsenal beat Brøndby IF to reach this final, but the gap between the rounds has given them a chance to continue their perfect run in the FA Women's Premier League and win the League Cup. And they will have another trophy to contest following their 2-0 victory against Bristol Academy WFC in the FA Women's Cup at the weekend, a win that set up a final with Charlton Athletic LFC at Nottingham Forest FC on 7 May. It has also given time for injured defenders Faye White, Yvonne Tracy and Leann Champ to get back into training.

High morale
"Morale is very good," Akers said. "We've just working along game by game and looking forward quietly to the final. We've tried to put it to bed since we made the final but everybody deep down is keyed up and will want to play in it. We've had three national defenders out all season, but they are training and hopefully will be involved at some point in the games. They have worked as hard as other if not harder to get back and it had been depressing at time this season for them, training on their own, not ideal."

Smith suspended
One player definitely missing in the final is perhaps Arsenal's most important; Kelly Smith will be serving the last two games of a three-match suspension following a red card in the first leg against Brøndby. "You will miss one of the best players in the world performing at the highest level," Akers said. "I saw the England game [against Russia], she played for 45 minutes, and we were then half the team in the second half. It spaks for itself, she is a fantastic player, for my money the best in the world."

Packed crowd
The scheduling of the finals means that Arsenal's home leg will be at their usual Meadow Park home in Borehamwood rather than the main Arsenal Stadium, but the 4,249-capacity ground should be packed, which could prove a boost to the players. "It will be intimidating," Akers said. "But we need to get the first leg out of the way and do well, and come back with a chance. If we are still in the tie Umeå will find it very tough."

Men's backing
Akers's other role at Arsenal is as kit manager to the men's side. It is one of several links between the two parts of the club, and everyone will be behind his players when they aim to become the first Gunners team to become European champions. "The boys are really interested and keen and take an interest in the results and will be very interested that week," Akers said.