Jack Wilshere has left his role as Arsenal Under-18s manager to become a first-team coach at Norwich.
The former Gunners midfielder, who had been in charge of the youth side since July 2022, leading the club to the FA Youth Cup final in his first full season in charge.
Wilshere will now form part of Canaries boss Johannes Hoff Thorup’s backroom staff at the Championship club.
“As everyone knows, Arsenal is and always will be part of who I am and the club means so much to me,” Wilshere, who came through the Gunners academy before making 197 senior appearances, said on the club website.
“However, this opportunity has come at the right time to progress my coaching career within a first-team environment.”
Thank you for everything, Jack ❤️
Jack Wilshere is leaving his role as Under-18s head coach to join Norwich City as a first-team coach.
Everyone at the club wishes him the very best as his journey in coaching continues.
— Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) October 23, 2024
Arsenal academy boss Per Mertesacker added: “Of course, we are all sad to see Jack leave, but we are so proud that we have played a positive part in his development into the next stage of his career as a young coach.
“We wish Jack and his family well at Norwich City, and his many friends here will be keeping in close contact with him as his journey in coaching continues.”
Wilshere knows Norwich’s sporting director Ben Knapper from his time in North London as loan manager and will now work with him again at Carrow Road.
The 32-year-old said: “I’m delighted to be joining Norwich City. It is a fantastic opportunity at a very impressive club, and one which has come at the right time to progress my coaching career within a first-team environment.
“When I met Ben and Johannes, 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.”
Arsenal have replaced Wilshere with U-18s coach and former academy player Adam Birchall.
