upon the arrival of arsène wenger at the end of the month, rice became his assistant, and played a key role in helping the club to their success in the 1990s and 2000s, including the doubles of 1997–98 and 2001–02, and arsenal's unbeaten league season of 2003–04. he holds the distinction (along with bob wilson) of having taken part, as player or coach, in all three of arsenal's doubles.