Jack Wilshere takes charge of Luton Town in first managerial role

By Martin Graham

Jack Wilshere has been unveiled as the new head coach of League One club Luton Town. The 33-year-old has been chosen to replace Matt Bloomfield, who departed earlier in the month after less than a year in the position. Wilshere has agreed to a three-year contract and steps in to guide a side currently placed 11th in the third division following two successive relegations.

The ex-England international was selected ahead of Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens during the recruitment process. Chris Powell will serve as his assistant, having recently spent two weeks at Walsall in a temporary coaching capacity while Gary Waddock recovers from ankle surgery.

A personal connection to the club

Speaking to the Hatters’ official website, Wilshere described his appointment as a significant moment. He reflected on his childhood involvement with the club, noting that he first joined their youth setup as an eight-year-old before moving to Arsenal the following year. He expressed pride in returning to Kenilworth Road, calling it “a full-circle moment” and praising the club’s values of unity, belief, and hard work.

He also highlighted the resilience shown by the team and its supporters in recent years, adding that he is honored to take responsibility for leading the group forward.

From academy coach to first-team manager

After ending his playing career in 2022, Wilshere began working with Arsenal’s under-18 side. He later joined Norwich City as part of the senior coaching team and was appointed interim boss for the final two matches of the previous campaign following Johannes Hoff Thorup’s exit.

His spell at Carrow Road ended after the season concluded, setting the stage for his first permanent managerial job.

Luton looking to rebuild after two relegations

Luton achieved promotion to the Premier League under Rob Edwards in 2023 but remained in the top tier for just one season. A second relegation followed, and Bloomfield was brought in when Edwards departed in January. However, the former Wycombe manager could not keep the team in the Championship, securing 12 wins in 33 fixtures.

Wilshere’s first game at the helm will be against Mansfield Town at home on Saturday. Hatters chief executive Gary Sweet praised the new manager’s knowledge of the club, his ambition, and his enthusiasm during the hiring process.

Career highlights as a player

Wilshere burst onto the scene with Arsenal at 16, making his senior debut in 2008. He won the FA Cup twice with the Gunners and accumulated close to 200 appearances before moving to West Ham United in 2018. Later spells followed at Bournemouth and Danish side Aarhus before his retirement at the age of 30.

On the international stage, he represented England 34 times and featured at both the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.