Jack Wilshere returns to the club as Under 18s head coach

After spending the majority of his career in north London, Jack returns as the club’s U18 head coach.

Jack Wilshere is Arsenal through and through. Coming from our esteemed Hale End academy, Wilshere was a star. Who could forget that famous night at the Emirates against Barcelona? He was out of this world and the best player on the pitch by a country mile.

His talent was there for all to see as he would take over games from his midfield role.

Unfortunately, you can have all the talent in the world, but if you can’t stay healthy, things swiftly get tough.

That was the case for Jack, as he spent more time on the sidelines than playing. His time with the club came to an end in 2018 as his contract expired, and he moved to West Ham, where he played 16 games.

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He then signed for Bournemouth in January of 2021 and made 17 appearances before again being released. Jack then found his way to the Danish Superliga club AGF. It was a short-lived time with the club, and on July 8 2022, Wilshere announced his retirement from football.

Jack is not lost to the game of football, however, returning to where it all began for him as he is now the club’s U18 head coach. It is a move that has been welcomed by every single fan of the club as everyone loves the player and the type of person Wilshere is.

The 30-year-old spoke with Arsenal.com about his move into coaching, and he said that while he did not think his playing days would be over this quick, the chance to coach at the Academy was a big opportunity for him.

Wilshere said:

"“A big part of my life was spent in the academy, and they were some of the best days of my life. My coach back then was Steve Bould and to walk in the footsteps of people like that is a massive honour. It’s a big opportunity for me."

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"“Still being relatively young, I didn’t expect my playing days to be done at this age, but when you get an opportunity like this given to you, it’s hard to turn down. Per [Mertesacker], Luke [Hobbs] and the whole of the club have been amazing. They’ve shown confidence in me, and I’m really happy and excited for the new chapter.”"

Even though his playing time with the club ended back in 2018, Wilshere says that his heart was always with the club.

"“It’s a special feeling to be part of the Arsenal family,” Wilshere said.“It never left me, and even though I moved on for a few years, my heart was always still at Arsenal. When I think of a family, family is always there for you no matter what. Even if you leave, the door is always open and I always felt that when I came back here.”"

It is the former midfielder’s first-ever coaching role as he takes charge of the club’s next talented group of youngsters. One would imagine that the players will be thirsty for knowledge and pick the brain of Wilshere, who was a star during his younger days.

It is great to see a former player who is so loved by the fans and club make a return as Jack Wilshere’s footballing journey has now come full circle.