Jack Wilshere passed over despite being favourite for manager’s job | OneFootball

Jack Wilshere was the frontrunner to become Plymouth Argyle’s next head coach following the departure of Miron Muslic, but the club turned to Tom Cleverley, unveiling the former Watford manager as their new appointment on Friday.

Wilshere, 33, had emerged as the favourite after leaving Norwich City at the end of May, where he had served as interim head coach for the final two games of the Championship season. He guided Norwich to a convincing win over Aaron Ramsey‘s Cardiff City and received public backing from the dressing room.

However, he was passed over for the permanent position and subsequently left the club in search of a senior managerial role.

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With Muslic moving to Schalke, Argyle were forced to accelerate their recruitment process.

Wilshere’s credentials, including leading Arsenal’s Under-18s to the FA Youth Cup final in 2023 and serving under Johannes Hoff Thorup at Norwich, made him an appealing candidate for a club looking to reset.

Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper, also formerly of Arsenal, had praised Wilshere’s contribution: “Jack made a big impact here in the time he was with us. He built great connections with our players and staff, and we’re all sad to see him move on.”

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Players at Carrow Road were similarly supportive. Full-back Jack Stacey said: “I think I can speak for all of the changing room, I think we’d be delighted for Jack to get it.”

But while Wilshere was widely expected to take the job, Plymouth pivoted instead to Cleverley. The 35-year-old former Manchester United midfielder arrives with recent experience at Watford, where he had stepped in as interim manager in March 2024 and was later appointed on a full-time basis.

Cleverley led Watford to a 14th-place finish in the Championship, but was dismissed at the end of the season. During the campaign, his side faced Plymouth three times, drawing twice in the league and winning 2–0 in the Carabao Cup.

The appointment, Plymouth’s fourth in under two years, drew a mixed reaction. Some fans questioned Cleverley’s record and experience, while others urged patience and faith in the board.