Luton appoint former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere as manager | OneFootball

Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has been appointed as the new manager of Luton Town.

The 33-year-old takes charge of the League One side following the dismissal of Matt Bloomfield last week and will lead the team for the first time when they host Mansfield Town on Saturday.

Wilshere returns to familiar surroundings, having first joined Luton’s youth system at the age of eight before moving to Arsenal, where he rose to prominence as one of England’s brightest midfield talents.

His appointment represents a full-circle moment in a career that began in Bedfordshire and now sees him tasked with reviving a club that has endured back-to-back relegations.

“It’s a huge honour and a privilege to be named Luton Town manager,” Wilshere said in his first interview with the club.

“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.”

He will be assisted by former Charlton Athletic and Huddersfield Town manager Chris Powell, who previously worked with England and Tottenham Hotspur’s academy.

Luton chief executive Gary Sweet described Wilshere’s appointment as a natural fit, citing his ‘modern approach, passion for player development, and deep understanding of the club’s culture’.

Sweet added that Wilshere’s local ties and time training with Luton’s first team in 2022 had strengthened his bond with the club ahead of this next step in his coaching journey.

After retiring from playing in 2022 following a stint with Danish side Aarhus, Wilshere quickly transitioned into coaching.

He took charge of Arsenal’s Under-18s and played a key role in developing young talents such as Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Max Dowman.

Wilshire joined Norwich City as a first-team coach last season and briefly served as interim manager for their final two Championship matches.

Luton, who are mid-table in League One, are seeking stability after a turbulent few seasons that included a brief stay in the Premier League and successive relegations.

Wilshere said he wants to bring a fresh identity to the Hatters. “This club’s story inspires me,” he added.

“It’s built on belief, unity, and hard work. I want to give the fans a team they can be proud of, and that work starts today.”