BREAKING: Jack Wilshere appointed as Luton Town manager after turning down Arsenal return

Ex-Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has earned his first managerial position after being appointed by Luton Town. The League One side were previously on the hunt for a new manager following the sacking of Matt Bloomfield.

And having held talks with Wilshere, the Hatters have decided to hand the reins to the former England man.

The move to Kenilworth Road represents Wilshere’s first permanent venture into management. Since his retirement from football in 2022, he has held coaching roles with former club Arsenal and Norwich City - Wilshere having been in interim charge at Carrow Road last season.

He was initially offered a return to the Emirates to fill the role as under-21 boss. But he decided to turn that opportunity down in an effort to earn his first managerial job.

“It’s a huge honour and a privilege to be named Luton Town manager,” the 33-year-old said about his appointment at Luton.

“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.”

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Wilshere certainly has a big task on his hands at Luton. Just two years ago, the club were in the Premier League but consecutive relegations have landed the Hatters back in League One.

And they have endured a poor start to the new campaign. They sit 11th in the third tier with five wins from their opening 11 games - a 2-0 defeat to league leaders Stevenage seeing former boss Bloomfield sacked.

Wilshere’s managerial debut for Luton looks likely to come this weekend as the Hatters welcome Mansfield Town to Kenilworth Road on Saturday afternoon.

Will Jack Wilshere be a success with Luton Town? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Wilshere kicked off his playing career with Arsenal back in 2008 - a breakout performance against Barcelona in the Champions League standing out among his highlights. He went on to make 197 appearances for the North London side - albeit injuries severely limiting his contributions at the Emirates.

Wilshere left the club permanently in 2018 in a move to West Ham but he made just 19 outings for the Hammers ahead of a switch to Bournemouth. Danish side AGF represented Wilshere’s final club ahead of his retirement.

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