Jack Wilshere deals Arsenal massive blow as academy coach links up with Championship contenders
Jack Wilshere has officially linked up with Norwich City to become their new first team coach. The Arsenal fan favourite has opted to leave his role as the club’s Under-18 head coach to become part of Johannes Hoff Thorup’s backroom staff at Carrow Road. Wilshere has joined Norwich City as a first team coachGetty Wilshere, who was first scouted by Arsenal aged nine, retired from playing in 2022, before returning to the Gunners to work in the academy. During his time as the U18s boss, he led them to the FA Youth Cup final in 2023, where they lost 5-1 to West Ham at the Emirates. The next step in his career is a move into first-team football, with Norwich – sitting seventh in the Championship – keen to offer him that opportunity. Wilshere’s move has been aided by his relationship with Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper thanks to their close relationship built at Arsenal. Speaking of his move to the Canaries’ website, Wilshere said: “I’m delighted to be joining Norwich City. “It is a fantastic opportunity at a very impressive club, and one which has come at the right time to progress my coaching career within a first-team environment. “When I met Ben and Johannes, I was really impressed by their vision and plans for the club. I’ve heard a lot about the environment around the club, and the facilities at the training centre are first class. “I feel like I’ve learned so much during my time coaching with Arsenal and I’ll be forever thankful for that experience. “I’m now really looking forward to working with the coaching staff and players and can’t wait to get going.” Wilshere leaves Arsenal with the club’s best wishes, with ex-teammate Per Mertesacker praising his coaching qualities. Wilshere is doing his pro licence and will be keen to earn his stripes with NorwichGetty The club’s academy manager remarked: “Jack’s development as a coach over the past two seasons has been really impressive. “Jack has represented Arsenal in the best possible way, both as a player and in his role as an academy coach. “Jack has not only been a role model for our younger generation on the pitch – showing the young players the skills required at the highest level, but has also demonstrated every day how to be the best possible person. “Of course, we are all sad to see Jack leave, but we are so proud that we have played a positive part in his development into the next stage of his career as a young coach. “We wish Jack and his family well at Norwich City, and his many friends here will be keeping in close contact with him as his journey in coaching continues.” Arsenal have since confirmed Adam Birchall will take over Wilshere’s role, with his first match in charge to coincidentally be against Norwich. Wilshere has been keen to move into first team coaching, having interviewed for the manager’s job at MLS club Colorado Rapids, before also applying for the same role with Scottish side Aberdeen. And the ex-England international, who made 197 appearances for Arsenal, will now earn his stripes at promotion-chasing Norwich. Though it remains to be seen whether he will be on the bench for Saturday’s trip to face Stoke. Wilshere was a guest on talkSPORT Drive last week where he reflected on the pathway for young English coaches like himself following the appointment of Thomas Tuchel as England boss. He said: “It definitely makes it more difficult but the way I look at it is that we’ve just got to get better. Wilshere played alongside Arteta at Arsenal for five yearsgetty “If you look around there’s young English coaches and we have to learn and make it our way. “When you go through your licences and I’m currently on my pro licence and you’re looking at one of the hardest, best jobs in the world and so it gives you that belief. “There’s different ways and different journeys but he (Gareth Southgate) was there and it was clear how good a job he did, but now we need to win something.”
Jack Wilshere has officially linked up with Norwich City to become their new first team coach.
The Arsenal fan favourite has opted to leave his role as the club’s Under-18 head coach to become part of Johannes Hoff Thorup’s backroom staff at Carrow Road.
Wilshere, who was first scouted by Arsenal aged nine, retired from playing in 2022, before returning to the Gunners to work in the academy.
During his time as the U18s boss, he led them to the FA Youth Cup final in 2023, where they lost 5-1 to West Ham at the Emirates.
The next step in his career is a move into first-team football, with Norwich – sitting seventh in the Championship – keen to offer him that opportunity.
Wilshere’s move has been aided by his relationship with Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper thanks to their close relationship built at Arsenal.
Speaking of his move to the Canaries’ website, Wilshere said: “I’m delighted to be joining Norwich City.
“It is a fantastic opportunity at a very impressive club, and one which has come at the right time to progress my coaching career within a first-team environment.
“When I met Ben and Johannes, I was really impressed by their vision and plans for the club. I’ve heard a lot about the environment around the club, and the facilities at the training centre are first class.
“I feel like I’ve learned so much during my time coaching with Arsenal and I’ll be forever thankful for that experience.
“I’m now really looking forward to working with the coaching staff and players and can’t wait to get going.”
Wilshere leaves Arsenal with the club’s best wishes, with ex-teammate Per Mertesacker praising his coaching qualities.
The club’s academy manager remarked: “Jack’s development as a coach over the past two seasons has been really impressive.
“Jack has represented Arsenal in the best possible way, both as a player and in his role as an academy coach.
“Jack has not only been a role model for our younger generation on the pitch – showing the young players the skills required at the highest level, but has also demonstrated every day how to be the best possible person.
“Of course, we are all sad to see Jack leave, but we are so proud that we have played a positive part in his development into the next stage of his career as a young coach.
“We wish Jack and his family well at Norwich City, and his many friends here will be keeping in close contact with him as his journey in coaching continues.”
Arsenal have since confirmed Adam Birchall will take over Wilshere’s role, with his first match in charge to coincidentally be against Norwich.
Wilshere has been keen to move into first team coaching, having interviewed for the manager’s job at MLS club Colorado Rapids, before also applying for the same role with Scottish side Aberdeen.
And the ex-England international, who made 197 appearances for Arsenal, will now earn his stripes at promotion-chasing Norwich.
Though it remains to be seen whether he will be on the bench for Saturday’s trip to face Stoke.
Wilshere was a guest on talkSPORT Drive last week where he reflected on the pathway for young English coaches like himself following the appointment of Thomas Tuchel as England boss.
He said: “It definitely makes it more difficult but the way I look at it is that we’ve just got to get better.
“If you look around there’s young English coaches and we have to learn and make it our way.
“When you go through your licences and I’m currently on my pro licence and you’re looking at one of the hardest, best jobs in the world and so it gives you that belief.
“There’s different ways and different journeys but he (Gareth Southgate) was there and it was clear how good a job he did, but now we need to win something.”
