Jack Wilshere named Luton Town manager as former England and Arsenal star lands first full-time managerial job
Updated 13/10/2025 at 16:35 GMT+1
Jack Wilshere has landed his first permanent opportunity in full-time management after being announced as the new manager of Luton Town. The club are currently struggling in League One after suffering a dramatic fall down the English football pyramid, having been a Premier League club just two seasons ago. Wilshere has appointed former England player and coach Chris Powell as his assistant.
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Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere has his first full-time managerial job after being named as the new boss of League One side Luton Town.
He succeeds Matt Bloomfield at Kenilworth Road with the club sitting 11th in the third tier of English football.
Bloomfield was sacked in early October after just nine months in charge, in which time the club suffered relegation from the Championship despite three wins from their final four matches in the 2024/25 season.
Before coming through the ranks and kick-starting his playing career with Arsenal, Wilshere was part of the youth set-up at Luton, and he is excited to be back at the club.
"It’s a huge honour and a privilege to be named Luton Town manager," Wilshere said.
"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."
Wilshere's Luton enter the 2025/26 Emirates FA Cup at the first-round stage, with the draw live on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Monday (18:30 UK time).
After the highs of playing Premier League football during the 2023/24 season, it has been a difficult period for Luton, who have suffered back-to-back relegations.
Despite returning at a testing time, Wilshere is motivated to lead the club back to the success they previously enjoyed.
"This club’s story inspires me. Built on belief, unity, and hard work," he said.
"The club have shown incredible character on and off the pitch in recent times, and I’m honoured to take the responsibility to lead this group into the future.
"There’s so much of the season still to play for and I’m excited about getting to work and putting my own stamp on things, and moving this club forward in a positive direction.
"I want to give the Luton fans a team they can be proud of, and the work to do that starts today."
As a coach, Wilshere took Arsenal's Under-18 team to the final of the FA Youth Cup in 2023, before leaving north London to work under Johannes Hoff Thorup at Norwich.
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Jack Wilshere played 34 times for England
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He temporarily became interim manager at Carrow Road when Thorup was sacked.
Now in his first full-time managerial role, Luton’s chief executive, Gary Sweet, is hopeful that Wilshere’s knowledge of the club will help turn their fortunes around.
"Jack’s passion, intelligence, and modern approach to the game align perfectly with the values and ambitions of Luton Town," Sweet said. "His experience at the highest level and commitment to developing talent make him the ideal fit for our next chapter.
"He has impressed everyone involved in our extensive selection process with his passion for football, his determination to succeed in management and his deep knowledge of all things Luton Town.
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"That started as a very young boy in our youth system, and has continued throughout his life, always living locally and with close friends who are long-term season ticket holders at Kenilworth Road.
"Luton has always been a part of his journey, and as a club renowned for giving young coaches their break in management, we are so pleased to welcome him back," Sweet said.
Wilshere has appointed former England left-back Chris Powell as his assistant.
Powell has previously managed Charlton, Huddersfield and Southend and was a part of Gareth Southgate’s coaching staff during his tenure as England head coach.
Wilshere’s first game in charge will be their home fixture against Mansfield Town in League One on October 18.
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