Paul Harney (Security Manager)

What was your very first role at our club and what attracted you to working here in the first place?

The first role I worked in at the club was in the original museum as an Assistant to the Club Historian in 1993, this was located in the North Bank stand at Highbury, this was a Casual role that I was asked to assist with as it was a brand-new stand and museum. I'm born and raised locally so working for the club was so rewarding, it was a huge part of my growing up, I would attend all games with my family and friends.

The excitement of matchdays at Highbury was so special, the stadium held such a historic and special atmosphere that it was a pleasure to be able to work there.

Can you talk us through your journey from Casual Museum Assistant to Security Manager?

In late 2003 I was informed that there were some Security jobs being advertised by the club, I applied and was successful in gaining a role as a day shift Security Guard at the stadium. This was working within the Stadium Management department, the role was full time, and I was part of a small in-house Security team made up of 4 day-shift guards and 6 night-shift guards. The skills that I had picked up working in the museum such as customer care, safety and evacuation procedures were very valuable as I started in the Security role. I also had a good knowledge of the stadium footprint, this made the initial days and weeks much easier as I settled in.

In 2006 the club moved to Emirates Stadium, this was a massive challenge for the entire workforce, particularly the Security team, which by this time had increased to 32 guards. In 2007 I was promoted to Security Supervisor and would lead a team of 9 Guards for 7 years, during this time I worked on areas of development that would assist me in the role, these included leadership skills, managing change and many more.

In 2014 the department head made the decision to recruit a Security Manager to oversee the security operation and work closely with the Safety team. I applied for the role and navigated my way through a 3-part interview process, I was offered the role and accepted it, I then started on my plan to increase the number of Security Guards and bring all Arsenal sites under the security umbrella of the in-house team. I recruited new Guards and the team was increased to 52 personnel, both Sobha Realty Training Centre and Hale End are now secured by Arsenal security.

What skills did you develop while working as Casual Museum Assistant that helped you progress?

The Casual role was so valuable from a growth and development perspective, the skillset that I picked up working in the Museum has helped me throughout my career at the club. You gain so much from working with people who want to make the supporters experience a special one, acting and treating people with respect, recognising if some need extra assistance, and doing the right thing at all times.

You also tap into the energy that supporters bring to the stadium, their interactions with you can be the difference between a good experience or a negative one. Working directly with the supporters also gives you confidence in dealing with people and staff as your career develops, managing difficult conversations and finding solutions.

What makes our club a good place to build a long-term career?

I genuinely didn’t see myself working at Arsenal for as long as I have, I came from a totally different background to security, I was an Uphosterer for 21 years prior to starting at the club. I was very fortunate that people at the club believed in me, gave me a chance and supported me throughout my time here. The club is a good place to build a long term career, there are people working here who have been here longer than me, I still see the passion and drive from these people on a daily basis.

There is also the chance to change direction within the club, so many staff have found new careers under the Arsenal roof over the years.

If you are willing to grow, use the tools available to develop, get involved and be proactive there is no limit to where you can end up.

What would you say to someone starting out as a Casual today?

Embrace every challenge, listen to advice but make your own decisions, have a plan of what you want to do and what direction of travel you want to take. Be inquisitive, ask questions, gain as much knowledge as you can, be open to learning new ways of working.

In one sentence, how would you sum up your journey at our club?

I am incredibly proud of myself for taking the opportunity at the club, working on areas of my own development and inspiring others to do the same, being prepared to manage change and remain true to both my values and the clubs at the same time.