Jack Wilshere has been named as the new manager of Luton Town, marking the former Arsenal and England midfielder’s first full-time appointment in management.
The 33-year-old takes charge of the League One club following the dismissal of Matt Bloomfield last week, with the Hatters looking to stabilise after consecutive relegations from the Premier League and the Championship.
The appointment represents a homecoming for Wilshere, who began his footballing journey in Luton’s youth setup before moving to Arsenal at the age of nine.
Speaking upon confirmation of his appointment, Wilshere described the role as a moment of personal significance.
“It’s a huge honour and a privilege to be named Luton Town manager,” he said.
“It feels like a full-circle moment for me. I was eight when I first came to Luton as a boy, so I guess you could say it’s fate that my first full-time club managerial position is at this club.
“I couldn’t be more delighted to be here.”
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Jack Wilshere is replacing Matt Bloomfield as Luton Town manager
|GETTY
Wilshere retired from professional football in 2022 after an injury-plagued but highly respected playing career, during which he made 197 appearances for Arsenal and won 34 England caps.
Since hanging up his boots, he has quickly built a reputation as an ambitious young coach.
He initially joined Arsenal’s academy setup before moving to Norwich City last season, where he served as first-team coach under Johannes Hoff Thorup and briefly acted as caretaker manager for the final two matches of the campaign.
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Jack Wilshere briefly managed Norwich City at the end of last season
|PA
Although Norwich opted to look elsewhere for a permanent appointment, Wilshere impressed many within the game with his tactical understanding and leadership qualities.
His return to Luton offers the opportunity to shape a team of his own for the first time.
His debut in the dugout will come at home to Mansfield on Saturday, a match that could set the tone for the Hatters’ ambitions under his tenure.
Chris Powell, one of English football’s most respected figures in coaching, has been appointed as Wilshere’s assistant.
The 54-year-old has managed Charlton Athletic, Huddersfield Town and Southend United, and also served as part of Gareth Southgate’s England staff.
His experience is expected to provide valuable support as Wilshere takes his first steps in senior management.
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“Jack’s connection with Luton began when he was a very young boy in our youth system and has continued throughout his life,” Sweet said.
“He’s always lived locally and maintained close friendships with long-term season ticket holders at Kenilworth Road.
“When he trained with our first team at The Brache in the summer of 2022, he rekindled that relationship and realised the time was right to follow his coaching path.”