Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere, who retired from football at a relatively young age, is rapidly progressing in his coaching career.

Wilshere leaves Arsenal academy role to join Norwich City as first-team coach.

Jack Wilshere leaves his role as head coach of Arsenal’s U18s side to join Norwich City in first-team coaching role; former England midfielder claimed the opportunity at the Canaries arrived at the “right time” to progress his coaching career; leaves door open for Emirates return.

“Arsenal is and always will be part of who I am, and the club means so much to me”.

“However, this opportunity has come at the right time to progress my coaching career within a first-team environment” – he said.

The move reunites him with Norwich Sporting Director Ben Knapper, who had worked for the Gunners for 13 years, as an Analyst and Loans Manager, before moving to Carrow Road in November 2023.

Wilshere made 197 senior appearances for the Gunners and won 34 caps for England before transitioning into coaching in July 2022. In his debut season in charge of Arsenal’s U18s he led them to the final of the 2022/23 FA Youth Cup, which they lost to West Ham.

“When I met Ben (Knapper) and Johannes (Thorup, Head Coach), 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.”

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Wilshere’s new role has officially been confirmed as assistant manager at Championship side Norwich City, where he will work under head coach Johannes Thorup.

There is a clause in Wilshere’s contract that allows him to become head coach should the Danish manager be sacked.

“We’re pleased to announce that Jack Wilshere has joined the club from Arsenal as our new first-team coach. Welcome, Jack” – Norwich City wrote on X.

Knapper said: “Jack has developed fantastically over the past couple of years and we feel this is an exciting next step for both parties.”

“In our view, he is one of the brightest and most exciting young coaches in the country. We can’t wait to begin our journey together with him and to get to work.”

Norwich sit seventh in the Championship table, just a point outside the play-off places, after coming from behind to draw 2-2 at Preston on Tuesday night.

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