Jack Wilshere Set to Join Norwich City as First-Team Coach.
Jack Wilshere has confirmed he is leaving his position as Arsenal’s Under-18s head coach to join Norwich City as a first-team coach. The former Arsenal midfielder, who rejoined the club in July 2022, quickly made an impact by leading the Under-18s to the FA Youth Cup Final in his first full season in charge.
Wilshere, who progressed through Arsenal’s academy before making 197 senior appearances for the club, has been praised for his influence on the development of young players. Per Mertesacker, Arsenal’s Academy Manager, expressed his admiration for Wilshere’s coaching progress, stating that his development over the past two seasons had been “really impressive.” Mertesacker added, “Jack has represented Arsenal in the best possible way, both as a player and an academy coach. He has been a role model, not only demonstrating the necessary skills on the pitch but also showing how to be the best person off it.”
While the club is sad to see him go, Mertesacker acknowledged the pride in having contributed to Wilshere’s growth as a young coach. He wished him well at Norwich City and emphasised that Wilshere’s connections to Arsenal would remain strong.
In his own remarks, Wilshere expressed gratitude to his colleagues at Arsenal, including Edu, Mikel Arteta, and Per Mertesacker, for their support during his time as Under-18s head coach. He admitted that while Arsenal would always hold a special place in his heart, the opportunity to further his coaching career in a first-team environment had come at the right time.
Wilshere highlighted the strong bond he formed with both players and staff during his tenure, expressing pride in the collective achievements over the past two-and-a-half years. He reaffirmed his commitment to following Arsenal’s progress from afar, confident that the young players he worked with would continue to excel.
Ending on an emotional note, Wilshere insisted his departure was not a goodbye, but rather a “see you again,” as he looked forward to the next stage of his coaching career.
Arsenal will make an announcement about the appointment of their new Under-18s head coach in due course.
