Jack Wilshere: Former England midfielder leaves Arsenal academy role to join Norwich City as first-team coach | Football News
Jack Wilshere, a former England midfielder, has left his role in the Arsenal academy to join Norwich as a first-team coach. The 32-year-old returned to his former club in July 2022 as head coach of Arsenal’s U18s, leading them to the FA Youth Cup final, where they lost to West Ham. Wilshere expressed his gratitude towards Arsenal, stating that the club will always be a part of who he is. He sees the move to Norwich as an opportunity to progress his coaching career in a first-team environment.
The move to Norwich will see Wilshere work alongside Johannes Hoff Thorup’s backroom staff after Narcis Pelach left to become the boss at Stoke. Norwich’s sporting director Ben Knapper, who knew Wilshere from his time as loan manager at Arsenal, was impressed by Wilshere’s vision and plans for the club. Wilshere, who has learned a great deal during his time coaching at Arsenal, believes the facilities at Norwich’s training center are first class and is looking forward to working with the coaching staff and players.
Wilshere spent two years in his role at Arsenal and views the move to Norwich as the perfect next step in his coaching career. He expressed his love for every minute of his time as U18s head coach at Arsenal and thanked the club for their fantastic support. Wilshere feels proud of the work he has done in developing a special group at Arsenal and believes that the future is exciting for both the academy players and the club. He thanked everyone at Arsenal for their support and wished them the very best for the future.
Arsenal academy manager Per Mertesacker, who played with Wilshere in north London, praised Wilshere’s development as a coach and his role as a mentor and role model for younger players. Mertesacker expressed sadness at Wilshere’s departure but also pride in his continued development as a coach. He wished Wilshere and his family well at Norwich City, stating that his friends at Arsenal would be keeping in close contact with him as he continues his coaching journey. Wilshere’s move to Norwich is seen as an exciting next step for both parties, with Norwich looking forward to beginning their journey with him.
