Jack Wilshere speaks for first time on becoming the new manager of Luton Town

Jack Wilshere speaks for first time on becoming the new manager of Luton Town with Chris Powell in as his assistant.

Returning to the club where he began his football journey, Wilshere expressed his excitement for his first full-time managerial role.

He aims to lead Luton with passion and a modern approach, building on the club’s values of belief and unity, while CEO Gary Sweet praised Wilshere’s deep connection to Luton, where he started in their youth system, and his potential to develop talent.

They currently sit 11th in the League One table after back-to-back relegations, Wilshere appointed as replacement for Matt Bloomfield who was sacked after nine months in charge.

Jack Wilshere is our new manager 🧡

— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) October 13, 2025

CLUB STATEMENT:

We are excited to announce the return of Jack Wilshere to Luton Town Football Club as our new first-team manager.

The 33-year-old is back at the club where it all started for him in our Centre of Excellence, before joining Arsenal at the age of nine and embarking on an elite playing career that saw him win 34 England caps.

Wilshere, who has held coaching positions in the Arsenal academy, as well as a short spell as Norwich City interim manager at the tail end of last season, is eager to get down to business at the club where he started his footballing journey as a youngster.

“It’s a huge honour and a privilege to be named Luton Town manager,” Jack 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, of course, enjoyed a stellar career as a player, making 197 appearances for Arsenal, before spells at West Ham United, AFC Bournemouth and Aarhus GF.

Now he is excited about a new challenge at Kenilworth Road, where he will be supported by vastly assistant manager, Chris Powell, also a former England international and coach.

“This Club’s story inspires me,” said Wilshere. “Built on belief, unity, and hard work.

“The Club have shown incredible character on and off the pitch in recent times, and I’m honoured to lead 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.”

Hatters CEO, Gary Sweet said: “Jack’s passion, intelligence, and modern approach to the game align perfectly with the values and ambitions of Luton Town. 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.

“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.

“It was during his time training with our first team at The Brache in the summer of 2022 where he refamiliarised himself with the Club, and realised the time was right to follow his coaching path, which took him back to Arsenal, where the world of course had seen him come through as a generational midfield talent.

“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.

“He already knows a number of our squad, and as a Board we are all excited at the prospect of seeing his career progress alongside someone as respected in the game as Chris.”

Wilshere will be in charge of the Hatters for the first time in Saturday’s Sky Bet League One fixture against Mansfield Town at Kenilworth Road.

"A very proud moment, I feel very honoured" 🤩

Jack Wilshere discusses the feeling of becoming the new Luton manager, and what he has learnt from his experiences so far. pic.twitter.com/k59qXmqedQ

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 13, 2025

“It’s fate that my first full-time club managerial position is at this club.” pic.twitter.com/zFIavN0wVb

— UP THE LUTON (@uptheluton) October 13, 2025

Here’s how fans reacted as Jack Wilshere speaks for first time on becoming the new manager of Luton Town…

@Pandamonium1881: So everybody that was wetting their knickers and every Luton fan / account that was telling us because Richie Wellens was 5/6 or that betting was suspended it was done and dusted, can now relax. As per usual, it was 1st class BS #lofc #ltfc

@ltfckieren: Him and Powell is a sensational combo. Welcome Jack 👏

@SSE_LTFC: Welcome Jack, we will back you, turn this ship around for us

@ClaretBluBlood: Best thing he did for us was hide in a industrial washing machine and scare the players. I hope he does more than the fraud did for us.

@HatterCarron: Let’s all get behind him! It may take a few games to get going but Jack will turn us around

@Scottie_Alex: Welcome Jack! Time to get behind the manager and the lads 🧡

@Ezer_94: Promotion party incoming!!! We are back baby!

@LutonsTactico: All the best Jack bring back the good times please

@lprscouting: Feels like the start of a new era! Will probably be a big identity shift on the pitch. Bold decision by the board, with a possible big upside. 100% support! #COYH

@danielmelly_: Would’ve personally preferred someone more experienced but no choice other than to get behind him 100% hope he’s the man to finally stop the rot

@kevlennon1: Let’s hope this all works out. I do like the choice of Chris Powell as his #2. Brings valuable experience & acknowledged coaching ability.

@RCW7777: Exciting appointment. After such an injury plagued playing career you can’t help but feel he will have extra motivation in having a successful management career. Chris Powell in too certainly won’t hurt us. Future is bright again. 🧡🎩

@martycruscido: Worst kept secret in football confirmed. A total shot in the dark, but all being well he can get something from these underperforming Princesses. Absolutely behind him as manager, let’s hope it can play out. Going to be an entertaining few months if nothing else. 🧨🧡 #LTFC

@OrientLiam: As a long time loyal Luton fan I am delighted with this appointment m, that Wellens is awful and should be left am with Leyton that’s his level

@LewisT_Williams: Welcome, Jack. No sugarcoating it, this is a big risk, and I hope the board have got it right. First task: rebuild confidence. Won’t be a quick fix, but his contact book should help. Lots of unknowns, but hopefully some fresh excitement too. #LTFC