AFCON 2025
Luton Town have confirmed Jack Wilshere as their new head coach, handing the former Arsenal and England midfielder his first full-time senior managerial role.
The club moved quickly after parting ways with Matt Bloomfield on 6 October following a disappointing start to life in League One. Wilshere, 33, takes over immediately and becomes one of the youngest managers currently working in the English Football League.
Despite his age, the former midfielder has already built a promising coaching résumé. He began his post-playing career in Arsenal’s academy and guided the Under-18s to the FA Youth Cup final in 2023.
Last season he joined the coaching staff at Norwich City and briefly served as interim manager for their final two Championship fixtures, earning a win and a draw.
Luton have also appointed experienced coach Chris Powell as his assistant. Powell, a former Charlton and Huddersfield manager, left a short-term role at Walsall to link up with Wilshere.
Wilshere’s arrival comes at a crucial time for the Hatters, who have suffered successive relegations from the Premier League and the Championship. The club sits in mid-table and hopes fresh leadership can spark a revival.
In his first statement, Wilshere described the move as a “full-circle moment,” having spent time in Luton’s youth ranks before joining Arsenal as a teenager. The board also highlighted his ambition, leadership qualities and connection to the club as key reasons for his appointment.
Wilshere’s first game in charge is set to be against Mansfield Town, where he will look to make an immediate impact and begin rebuilding confidence among supporters and players.
