Arsenal’s secret influence behind Jack Wilshere’s Luton appointment has been revealed

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Arsenal played a key role in encouraging Jack Wilshere towards his appointment as the new Luton Town manager, TBR Football understands.

The 33-year-old has taken his first steps into management, 17 years on from the start of his professional playing career.

Jack Wilshere came through the Arsenal academy and quickly became a star, with a memorable display against Barcelona during the 2012/13 season.

Injuries plagued him, however, as the midfielder retired in 2022 at just 30 years old.

In the years since, he has been gaining coaching experience, which he can now put to the test as a head coach in the EFL.

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Arsenal encouraged Jack Wilshere with Luton Town move

After retiring, Jack Wilshere spent some time coaching the Arsenal under-18s, before he took a step into senior coaching.

Last season, Wilshere joined Norwich City as part of their setup under Johannes Hoff Thorup, which led to an interim spell in charge of the team following his sacking, before the former Arsenal man left as well.

It’s been clear that the 33-year-old views himself as a head coach, so he held out on making a move until the right job appeared.

Now, that has happened, as Wilshere has joined Luton Town in League One, hopeful of restoring them after successive relegations.

Arsenal played a role in getting the move done, as TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey explained.

He said: “Jack Wilshere is a fascinating appointment and it is not an easy job, but he got the bug for it at Arsenal and then at Norwich he became very close to landing that job.

“There is a lot of hope in football that he can really do well, I am told Arsenal have really encouraged him and have pushed him, also they have made it known just how highly they regard him.”

Wilshere now has an opportunity to prove himself, with quite a task on his hands to turn around a difficult start for the Hatters.

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What Jack Wilshere has said about Luton Town move

Jack Wilshere’s move to Luton Town will be quite a challenge, with expectations on his team to get promoted immediately back to the Championship.

The ex-midfielder revealed his delight at the move when speaking to the official Luton website.

He said: “It’s a huge honour and a privilege to be named Luton Town manager.

“It feels like a full-circle moment for me. I was eight when I first came to Luton as a boy, so I guess you could say it’s fate that my first full-time club managerial position is at this club.

“I couldn’t be more delighted to be here – I can’t wait to manage this football club.”

The former Arsenal man has called in some experience, bringing in Chris Powell as his assistant.

Powell made over 650 league appearances in his professional career, while also picking up five England caps along the way.

On the management stage, he has taken on three permanent roles and two caretaker positions, while he has also featured in many backroom teams.

Now they have paired up for a big few weeks and months ahead in League One.