Former England international Jack Wilshere has been appointed manager of League One side Luton Town, marking his first full-time role in senior management. The 33-year-old replaces Matt Bloomfield, who was dismissed earlier this month after less than a year in charge at Kenilworth Road.
Wilshere inherits a side currently sitting 11th in the third tier following successive relegations from the Premier League and Championship. He is believed to have signed a three-year contract after beating competition from Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens during the club’s extensive recruitment process.
Wilshere’s appointment carries added personal significance as he began his youth career at Luton before joining Arsenal at the age of nine. Speaking to the club’s official website, he described the role as a "full-circle moment":
“It’s a huge honour and a privilege to be named Luton Town manager. 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 managerial position is here. This club’s story inspires me – built on belief, unity and hard work – and I’m ready to lead this group into the future.”
Since retiring as a player in 2022, Wilshere has moved quickly into coaching. He managed Arsenal's under-18 side, guiding them to the FA Youth Cup final in 2023, before joining Norwich City last season as a first-team coach. He briefly stepped in as interim head coach for Norwich’s final two league fixtures before leaving the club in the summer.
Joining him at Luton will be experienced coach Chris Powell, who has been named assistant manager. Powell, a former England defender, arrives after a short spell as interim first-team coach at Walsall.
Luton’s rapid rise to the Premier League under Rob Edwards in 2023 was followed by an equally swift decline. The Hatters were relegated from the top flight after just one season and suffered a second consecutive relegation last term.
Bloomfield, who replaced Edwards in January, failed to halt the club’s slide and registered only 12 wins in 33 matches before his dismissal. Wilshere’s immediate task will be stabilising the squad and reigniting momentum as the club targets an immediate promotion push.
Luton chief executive Gary Sweet praised the club’s new appointment:
“Jack impressed everyone involved in our extensive selection process with his passion for football, determination to succeed in management and his deep understanding of Luton Town.”
Wilshere came through Arsenal’s academy and made his senior debut at 16, going on to make nearly 200 appearances for the Gunners. He won two FA Cups during his time in North London before stints with West Ham, Bournemouth and Danish side AGF Aarhus.
On the international stage, he earned 34 caps for England and featured at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016. Despite his career being hampered by injuries, Wilshere remains widely respected for his technical ability and football intellect—qualities Luton now hope will translate into managerial success.
Wilshere will take charge of his first match as Luton manager on Saturday when the Hatters host Mansfield Town at Kenilworth Road. Expectations are high, but so too is the belief that his appointment signals a long-term vision for the club’s rebuild.
