Arsenal icon Jack Wilshere has left his role of the u-18’s head coach at the club after 2 years of service. Leaving the Gunners, he immediately took charge of Championship side Norwich City‘s first-team as a manager. Jack has reportedly left the club on Wednesday and already in the Norfolk County to do all the paper works.
The 32-year-old Englishman will be replacing Narcis Pelach. He left Norwich in September to manage fellow second division side Stoke City. However, there will be a lot to work for to achieve the first and foremost target of the Canaries. As they will be looking forward to qualify for the Premier League next season.
As of now, they are at the 7th place with just 17 points on their name in 11 matches. They have only won 4 matches in the championship so far. But the Canaries are on a 6 match unbeaten streak since their loss against Swansea City.
It will be a debut for Jack as a first-team head coach since getting his license. Though the Englishman held talks with MLS side Colorado Rapids in late 2023 to become their manager. But at last he decided to stay at the Gunners camp to gather more experience.
Arsenal bids farewell to Jack Wilshere again
Jack Wilshere came through the ranks of Arsenal academy and made his first-team debut at the age of 16. He made history by becoming Arsenal’s youngest-ever debutant back in 2008 when Arsene Wenger decided to play Jack against Blackburn Rovers.
Jack was considered as one of the hottest talent during the 2010’s. His movement and vision was on top level. His technical abilities were considered world class back in the time. But injury ruined his career and he was forced to retire at the age of 30. He made 197 appearances with the Gunners before leaving them in 2018.
He joined West Ham United after that and stayed there for 2 years. After leaving the London side he had short spells at AFC Bournemouth and AGF, before hanging his boots in 2022. Wilshere is loved and respected very much at the Gunners camp. Former u-18’s captain Bradley Ibrahim who was the leader of Wilshere’s FA Youth Cup final in 2023 has shown his gratitude towards the 32-year-old. Ibrahim said,
“He’s been in our shoes, played in the Youth Cup and been exactly where we are right now. He’s able to give us information other people can’t, so it’s amazing having him around.”
When Mikel Arteta was asked about the potential departure of Jack on Tuesday by the Athletic, he said,
“That’s a collaboration that we had, it’s the same with Mehmet (u-21 coach). Every time that we had academy players and he (Wilshere) was involved he’s been great — in terms of supporting the first team, in terms of bringing ideas, in terms of collaborating in everything that we wanted. I know him, we played together and we have a really good relationship, so let’s see.”
Wilshere’s final words to the Gunners
It was a very great decision from the Englishman to join the Norwich’s first team camp. If he wants to be a successful manager he will need to prove that by winning and showing results. We all be hoping that he will enjoy his managerial career after a sad ending to his footballing career.
While leaving the Arsenal camp, Jack Wilshere said,
“I’ve loved every minute of my time as Under-18s head coach and would like to thank (sporting director) Edu, Per, Mikel, my colleagues in the academy and everyone at the club for their fantastic support during my time in the role. As everyone knows, Arsenal is and always will be part of who I am, and the club means so much to me. “
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