Arsenal Under-18s coach Jack Wilshere are set to take on a first team coaching role at Championship club Norwich City. The 32-year-old, who retired from playing in 2022 after spells with West Ham United, AFC Bournemouth and Danish side AGF, has been part of Arsenal's coaching set-up since then. During his playing career, Wilshere made 125 Premier League appearances for the Gunners, although his time was often hampered by injury.
At Norwich, Wilshere will work alongside manager Johannes Hoff Thorup, who currently has the team in seventh place in the Championship, just one point outside the play-off positions after losing only two of his first nine league matches. Wilshere brings with him a wealth of experience, having won consecutive FA Cup finals in 2014 and 2015 and served as Arsenal’s Player of the Season in 2010/11.
According to FourFourTwo, Wilshere has absorbed the 'Arsenal Way' throughout his career, with a focus on dominating possession and creating overloads on the pitch. “I have always been brought up with the Arsenal Way, which is to dominate the ball,” he stated, highlighting his intent to apply this philosophy at Norwich.
Wilshere's coaching approach will aim to boost Norwich's current ball possession rate, which has hovered around 50% this season. Historically, the team has struggled when having less possession, losing one and drawing two of the three fixtures under such circumstances.
As Norwich's new addition comes from a strong Arsenal background, there will be ongoing speculation about his future trajectory within football. His appointment represents a vote of confidence from Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper and places him on a path where any success could lead to connections back to North London, especially with Arsenal's current competitive edge under Mikel Arteta in the Premier League.