Former Arsenal star Wilshere gets first full-time manager role

Martin Macdonald

• 13 Oct 2025 07:02 CDT
• 2 min read

News

Jack Wilshere has been appointed as manager of Luton Town.

The former Arsenal star has been steadily gaining experience in coaching after prematurely hanging up his boots due to a succession of injury issues.

Wilshere is only 33-years-old but has already managed Arsenal's Under-18s and was also a first-team coach at Norwich last season.

He took charge of the final two matches of the 2024/25 campaign on a caretaker basis after Johannes Hoff Thorup departed the Canaries.

Luton confirmed on Monday morning that Wilshere will take over from Matt Bloomfield.

“It’s a huge honour and a privilege to be named Luton Town manager,” the new boss told the official club website.

“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 – I can’t wait to manage this football club.”

He will be joined by experienced assistant manager, Chris Powell.

Luton statement

Luton CEO, Gary Sweet said: “Jack’s passion, intelligence, and modern approach to the game align perfectly with the values and ambitions of Luton Town. His experience at the highest level and commitment to developing talent make him the ideal fit for our next chapter.

“He has impressed everyone involved in our extensive selection process with his passion for football, his determination to succeed in management and his deep knowledge of all things Luton Town.

“That started as a very young boy in our youth system, and has continued throughout his life, always living locally and with close friends who are long-term season ticket holders at Kenilworth Road.

“It was during his time training with our first team at The Brache in the summer of 2022 where he refamiliarised himself with the Club, and realised the time was right to follow his coaching path, which took him back to Arsenal, where the world of course had seen him come through as a generational midfield talent.

“Luton has always been a part of his journey, and as a club renowned for giving young coaches their break in management, we are so pleased to welcome him back.

“He already knows a number of our squad, and as a Board we are all excited at the prospect of seeing his career progress alongside someone as respected in the game as Chris."

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