Jack Wilshere is set to leave his position as Arsenal's Under 18s manager to join Norwich City as a first-team coach for the 2024/2025 season. Having been part of Arsenal's youth system since summer 2022, he transitioned into coaching after an injury forced him to retire at the age of 30. Under the mentorship of Mikel Arteta and academy boss Per Mertesacker, Wilshere achieved notable success by leading the Gunners’ Under 18s to the FA Youth Cup final in his debut season, where they were narrowly defeated by West Ham.
Wilshere’s move to Norwich marks his first step into senior coaching, where he will join manager Johannes Hoff Thorup’s staff, replacing Narcis Pelach, who departed for Stoke City in September. According to a report by The Mirror, Wilshere will officially conclude his tenure at Arsenal on Wednesday, with his first day at Norwich scheduled for Thursday.
At Arsenal, the Under 18s are currently positioned sixth in the southern division of the Under 18s Premier League table, having lost only one match this season. Meanwhile, Norwich sit seventh in the Championship, with Thorup at the helm following David Wagner's departure. Wilshere, who made 197 appearances for Arsenal and had spells at West Ham and Bournemouth, has expressed ambition to become a manager.
Reflecting on his coaching journey, Wilshere noted, "I was influenced by Arsène Wenger. Arsène was positive 95 per cent of the time. The biggest thing is looking for little things in people that inspire you." He has emphasized the importance of daily interactions with players and adapting his coaching style based on their needs and experiences.
As Wilshere embarks on this new chapter with Norwich City, he aims to contribute his expertise and passion to enhance the team's prospects in the Championship.