Not a headline one types every day.
Mothers. They’re great. They love us, support us, cherish us and back us to the hilt.
Sometimes, however, they can be a tad pushy.
That certainly appears to be the case with Jules Niles, mother to 18-year-old Arsenal prospect Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Late last season, Maitland-Niles’ mother interrupted an Arsenal U21 match after he picked up a knock. She threatened to drag him off the pitch, roared at Gunners chief negotiator Dick Law and was arrested on suspicion of assaulting two individuals on the sidelines.
The winger, who made his Arsenal debut at 17, in December 2014, was loaned to Ipswich Town this season and was ticking along at a reasonable rate. Until recently, that is.
Maitland-Niles, according to The Sun, has been dropped after his mother attempted to reach Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy for a frank discussion. She could not reach McCarthy and, instead, is reported to have left an abusive voice-mail. An Arsenal source told the paper:
“Mick’s a Yorkshireman and he’s prepared to tolerate most things, but not something like this.
“The language was disgusting and so poisonous that it even shocked Mick.
“He’s only ever tried to do what’s right for the kid and protect his career, but this is something new to him.
“He likes the boy and thinks he has potential to be a top player, but he’s worried that his mother is having a detrimental affect on his career.”
The dispute apparently arose when the former Ireland manager advised Maitland-Niles against going back to London for an FA bash and, instead, prepare for a midweek fixture.
Since the voice-mail was deposited in McCarthy’s phone, the young midfielder has not featured for The Tractor Boys.
