Luton Town are on the verge of appointing Jack Wilshere as their new manager, marking the 33-year-old's first permanent position in charge of a football club.
The former Arsenal and England midfielder has emerged as the Championship side's preferred candidate after they were unable to secure Richie Wellens from Leyton Orient.
Wellens remains at the O's, reportedly protected by substantial compensation demands, and guided his team to a 4-0 victory over Doncaster on Saturday.
The Hatters interviewed several candidates in London last week before settling on Wilshere, who has been without a job since departing Norwich City's coaching setup.
Jack Wilshere is set to become the new manager of Luton Town
|PA
He will succeed Matt Bloomfield at Kenilworth Road. Wilshere has shown unwavering commitment to building a managerial career following his playing days, which ended through injury in 2022 after a brief stint in Denmark.
Arsenal provided his initial coaching opportunity within their academy structure, where he guided the Under-18 side to an FA Youth Cup final.
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His next move took him to Norwich City, joining Johannes Hoff Thorup's backroom team at Carrow Road.
When Thorup departed in April, Wilshere stepped up to oversee first-team duties on a temporary basis, gaining valuable experience at senior level.
The Stevenage-born coach has been seeking a new opportunity since leaving the Canaries at the season's conclusion.
Wilshere's connection to Luton dates back to his childhood, having begun his football education in their academy before Arsenal recruited him aged nine.
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Matt Bloomfield and Luton parted ways last week
|REUTERS
He quickly developed into one of the Gunners' most promising homegrown talents, breaking into the first team at just 16 years old.
International recognition followed swiftly, with his England debut arriving at 18, and he earned 34 caps for his country.
The 2010 to 2011 campaign saw him establish himself as a regular starter at Arsenal.
However, persistent injury problems plagued his career, ultimately forcing him to hang up his boots at 30 following his time in Danish football.
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Luton's decision to change managers comes after a difficult period that has seen them drop from the Premier League to League One in consecutive seasons.
Bloomfield, who arrived from Wycombe Wanderers, was unable to prevent last season's relegation and paid the price for an underwhelming start to the current campaign.
The Hatters have managed just five victories from their opening 11 matches in League One, leaving them in a mid-table position.
Jack Wilshere coached Arsenal's under-18's for two years
|PA
This represents a stark contrast to their Premier League status just two years ago.
The club's hierarchy clearly believes fresh leadership is needed to revive their fortunes and mount a promotion challenge from the third tier.