Luton Town boss Jack Wilshere opens up on the heartbreak as a player which is now driving him to succeed as a manager.
The 33 year old spoke of not being able to fulfil his playing potential due to persistent injuries, admitting that it only deepened his love for football, and never once did he consider quitting the sport.
He still feels he has “so much to give” to the beautiful game, describing his passion he has for it, while also overcoming dark moments, which has taught him to listen to his inner voice.
🚨EXCLUSIVE🚨
🗣️”You have to listen to yourself, during those dark times… Not at one point have I thought: ‘I’m done with this.'”
Jack Wilshere talks to @johncrossmirror about the Arsenal heartbreak which is still driving him at Luton Townhttps://t.co/c0bKoeCOlY pic.twitter.com/C3XQtSNPtz
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) November 20, 2025
He said to the Mirror‘s John Cross:“Probably for a number of reasons, but one of the reasons is that I didn’t think I reached my full potential in my career and I still feel I’ve got so much to give to the game.
“I love the game, I love it so much, that’s the truth. I love football, everything about it. My kids love it, my family is family orientated and my life is about football.
“There’s different routes you can take but I said it before that there’s been a few moments and I saw people and it inspired me on my own journey to work out who I was as a coach.
“Even when I took the step into the under-18s at Arsenal, you never know whether you will be good at it, whether people will respond to you, how the players will respond.
“It’s addictive but the more I found out, the better I was getting and I just wanted more. I’m still the same. I’m very excited about this and the start.
“I believe we can be successful here with the players we’ve got, the staff we’ve and you know me, I’ve got that determination to succeed.”
On injury setbacks: “During tough moments you learn even more to love the game because when something is taken away from you that you really, really love you miss it. When you get another taste but maybe not at the same level, you miss it.
“You can go one of two ways: I’m done with it or there’s still fire burning inside that feels like you have so much more to give and that’s how I feel. I want to give back a little bit and also find my way and find my way in this crazy, coaching world.
“You have to listen to yourself, during those dark times and everyone has a voice in their head, everyone through tough times and you have to listen to it. Not at one point have I thought: “I’m done with this.’
“Even when I left Norwich, I wanted to go again, find something else because I had the same hunger and I’ve still got it. Until that’s gone, I will try to prove myself and go again. Because I love it.”
Watch Jack Wilshere’s pre-match presser https://t.co/gmVydiiFXh
— LTFC 1885 (@LTFC_1885) November 21, 2025
On his impressive start at Luton with four victories, 1 defeat and 1 draw: “I think Luton suits me, a little bit rough around the edges, a little old school, standards, behaviour and you walk around the building and Mick Harford is walking around, the perfect example of what the club stands for.
“That’s a reminder to everyone of what the club is, then you have to understand where the players are. Some have been in the Premier League, some don’t want to be in League One and you have to understand that and you have to adapt to what you allow and what you won’t allow.
“All the players have been really good with it. Not everyone can play but there’s a hunger in the group and there’s a determination to improve. Now we just need consistency.
“It takes over your life but that’s fine. But you also need the love. It takes over your life and you have to really love it and I do.”
Wilshere said on if it was a statement win against Stockport a few weeks back: “Externally, yes, because you come to the top of the league, you know it’s going to be difficult but you win the game and keep a clean sheet.
“But we know where we’re at, we know there’s another game next week and none of this matters if we don’t continue to work in the same way. I still feel we need to find more consistency but we’re starting to see things now.
“The support from the fans is like a 12th man, it really is when you’re on the pitch and feel that they’re with you – we need to keep building that energy between us because that can take you somewhere.
“I loved the way we stuck together – we faced some tough moments in the first half, which you’re going to do, especially when you come to top of the league away from home as they’re top of the league for a reason, with dangerous players.
“What I am starting to learn about this league is you can limit those moments but it’s going to be very difficult because they play direct – if you try and press a little bit more, they’ll put it over you and then you have to win the second balls.
“Then you need big moments from your goalie and big tackles, and we certainly had that.”
On Josh Keeley’s save from Nathan Lowe’s spot-kick, Wilshere added: “Josh is growing in confidence, growing in presence, he’s excellent with his feet and making some good saves now as well. He’s got a good future and definitely can help us this year.”
Jake Richards said: “Since the manager’s come in, he’s been brilliant with me – all the coaches have – especially in a new position, giving me little tips on double movements and where to be on crosses and it’s really helped my game.”
Bramall scores superb free kick in statement win for Jack Wilshere’s Luton against Stockport
You must be logged in to post a comment Login