Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere has been appointed as the manager of League One club Luton Town.
The 33-year-old takes over from Matt Bloomfield, who was dismissed earlier this month after less than a year in charge at Kenilworth Road.
This marks Wilshere’s first full-time managerial position, as he steps in to lead a Luton team currently sitting 11th in the third tier following two consecutive relegations.
He was chosen for the role over Leyton Orient’s Richie Wellens and is thought to have signed a three-year contract.
Chris Powell has also joined the coaching staff as Wilshere’s assistant.
The former England left-back had recently been at Walsall for just two weeks as interim first-team coach, filling in for Gary Waddock during his recovery from ankle surgery.
“It’s a tremendous honor and privilege to be appointed as Luton Town manager,” Wilshere stated on the club’s official website, recalling his departure from the Hatters at the age of nine to join Arsenal.
“It feels like a full-circle moment for me. I was eight when I first joined Luton as a boy, so it seems like fate that my first full-time managerial role is with this club.
“The story of this club inspires me. It is built on belief, unity, and hard work.
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“Recently, the club has shown remarkable character both on and off the pitch, and I am honored to take on the responsibility of leading this group into the future.”
After retiring from playing in 2022, Wilshere had a stint managing Arsenal’s under-18 team and spent much of the last season as a first-team coach at Championship club Norwich City.
He served as interim head coach for Norwich’s last two league matches following the departure of Johannes Hoff Thorup, before leaving Carrow Road at the end of the season.
Luton earned promotion to the Premier League under Rob Edwards in 2023, but they spent only one season in the top flight and faced a second consecutive relegation last season.
Bloomfield was appointed after Edwards left Kenilworth Road in January, but the former Wycombe Wanderers manager could not keep Luton in the Championship, winning only 12 of his 33 matches in charge.
Wilshere’s first game as Luton manager will be a home match against Mansfield Town on Saturday.
“He has impressed everyone involved in our extensive selection process with his passion for football, determination to succeed in management, and deep knowledge of all things Luton Town,” said Hatters chief executive Gary Sweet.
Wilshere made his professional debut for Arsenal at 16 in 2008 and won the FA Cup twice with the Gunners, making nearly 200 appearances before moving to West Ham United in 2018.
He later played for Bournemouth and Danish club Aarhus before retiring at the age of 30.
On the international stage, Wilshere earned 34 caps for England, participating in the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.
