Former England star Jack Wilshere named Luton Town manager
Former Arsenal and England star Jack Wilshere has been appointed the new manager of League One side Luton Town, marking his first full-time senior managerial position. The 33-year-old, who was once an academy player for the Hatters, takes over a side battling in the third tier and immediately installs ex-England international Chris Powell as his assistant.
The next chapter of Jack Wilshere’s football career has begun in a familiar place, as the former Arsenal and England midfielder has been named the new manager of Luton Town. The appointment is Wilshere’s first permanent role in senior management, succeeding Matt Bloomfield, who was sacked earlier this month after a brief tenure.
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Wilshere, who spent time managing Arsenal's U18s and coaching at Norwich City, has signed a three-year contract at Kenilworth Road. He edged out Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens for the position.
A return to roots
For Wilshere, the move represents a profound return to his roots. The midfielder was part of the Hatters' academy as an eight-year-old before moving to Arsenal at age nine.
"It feels like a full-circle moment for me," Wilshere told the club's official site. "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 expressed inspiration from the club's recent history, which saw them win promotion to the Premier League in 2023 under Rob Edwards, before suffering back-to-back relegations that have left them 11th in League One.
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Wilshere will be joined by former England left-back Chris Powell, who steps into the role of assistant manager. Powell leaves a brief interim position at Walsall to join the new setup at Kenilworth Road.
Luton Town Chief Executive Gary Sweet expressed confidence in the new boss: "He has impressed everyone involved in our extensive selection process with his passion for football, his determination to succeed in management and his deep knowledge of all things Luton Town."
Wilshere, who made his professional debut at 16, twice won the FA Cup with Arsenal and played 34 times for England. After retiring from playing in 2022, he quickly moved into coaching. His first test as Luton manager will be a home fixture against Mansfield Town this Saturday.
