We are excited to announce the return of Jack Wilshere to Luton Town Football Club as our new first-team manager.
The 33-year-old is back at the club where it all started for him in our Centre of Excellence, before joining Arsenal at the age of nine and embarking on an elite playing career that saw him win 34 England caps.
Wilshere, who has held coaching positions in the Arsenal academy, as well as a short spell as Norwich City interim manager at the tail end of last season, is eager to get down to business at the club where he started his footballing journey as a youngster.
“It’s a huge honour and a privilege to be named Luton Town manager,” Jack said.
“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.
“I couldn’t be more delighted to be here – I can’t wait to manage this football club.”
Wilshere, of course, enjoyed a stellar career as a player, making 197 appearances for Arsenal, before spells at West Ham United, AFC Bournemouth and Aarhus GF.
Now he is excited about a new challenge at Kenilworth Road, where he will be supported by vastly experienced assistant manager, Chris Powell, also a former England international and coach.
“This Club’s story inspires me,” said Wilshere. “Built on belief, unity, and hard work.
“The Club have shown incredible character on and off the pitch in recent times, and I’m honoured to take the responsibility to lead this group into the future.
“There’s so much of the season still to play for and I’m excited about getting to work and putting my own stamp on things, and moving this club forward in a positive direction.
“I want to give the Luton fans a team they can be proud of, and the work to do that starts today.”
Hatters CEO, Gary Sweet said: “Jack’s passion, intelligence, and modern approach to the game align perfectly with the values and ambitions of Luton Town. His experience at the highest level and commitment to developing talent make him the ideal fit for our next chapter.
“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.
“That started as a very young boy in our youth system, and has continued throughout his life, always living locally and with close friends who are long-term season ticket holders at Kenilworth Road.
“It was during his time training with our first team at The Brache in the summer of 2021 where he refamiliarised himself with the Club, and realised the time was right to follow his coaching path, which took him back to Arsenal, where the world of course had seen him come through as a generational midfield talent.
“Luton has always been a part of his journey, and as a club renowned for giving young coaches their break in management, we are so pleased to welcome him back.
“He already knows a number of our squad, and as a Board we are all excited at the prospect of seeing his career progress alongside someone as respected in the game as Chris."
Wilshere will be in charge of the Hatters for the first time in Saturday’s Sky Bet League One fixture against Mansfield Town at Kenilworth Road.
