Ex-Arsenal star lands first managerial job with former Premier League side

Former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere has landed his first managerial job as he has been named as manager of League One side Luton Town.

The ex-Gunner has taken the reins at Kenilworth Road following Matt Bloomfield's sacking a week ago. Wilshere returns to the club where he started his career as a youngster before moving to Hale End where he went on to make quite the name for himself in the senior team.

Arsenal supporters will be pleased to see a fan favourite land the first permanent role of his managerial career and will be hoping all goes well for Wilshere in Luton.

Jack Wilshere appointed Luton Town manager

Wilshere's appointment at Luton comes after he gained valuable experience working in Arsenal's academy and with Norwich City.

Just days after announcing his retirement from playing, the former midfielder was named head coach of the Gunners' Under-18s side and enjoyed a successful first season in charge. He led his team to the final of the 2022/23 FA Youth Cup, but take them all the way as they fell to West Ham.

He spent another season at the helm before departing Hale End to join the coaching staff of Championship side Norwich City, working under Johannes Hoff Thorup. His superior was sacked in April 2025 and Wilshere took over as interim boss as a result. He managed the Canaries in their final two games of the campaign, managing one win and a draw, with the sole victory coming over Cardiff City, who were led by his former teammate Aaron Ramsey.

He left Norwich this summer and was linked with a return to Arsenal, this time managing the Under-21s, but eventually turned it down with Max Porter getting the job.

Waiting for a new opportunity has now paid off for Wilshere as he has taken charge of a senior side for the first time in his coaching career. He will have a huge task on his hands though as he looks to restore the glory at Kenilworth Road, managing a team sat 11th in League One despite being a Premier League club just two years ago.

He will be supported by Chris Powell, a former teammate of Arsenal legend Ian Wright who has experience managing Football League teams. Wilshere also joins many former teammates in becoming a coach with the likes of Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas and of course Mikel Arteta taking the step into management.

Having endured plenty of struggles toward the end of his time as a player, it is great to see Wilshere finally given the chance to shine as a manager and the majority of Gunners fans will be wishing him success for him as he takes on this new role at Luton Town.