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Jack Wilshere speaks for the first time on becoming new Norwich first-team coach

Jack Wilshere speaks for the first time on becoming the new Norwich City first-team coach, after much speculation on his arrival.

The 32 year old is stepping away from his role as Arsenal’s U-18s head coach to embark on a new chapter as a first-team coach at Norwich City.

Wilshere, who takes a big step in his coaching career, replaces Narcis Pelach, who departed for Stoke City in September.

CLUB STATEMENT:

Norwich City are delighted to announce the appointment of Jack Wilshere as first-team coach.

Wilshere, who will work alongside Johannes Hoff Thorup’s backroom staff, joins from Arsenal where he was Under-18s head coach.

As a player, he was a product of Arsenal’s youth academy and went on to make 197 senior appearances, scoring 14 goals and winning two FA Cups.

He made history during the 2008/09 season when Arsène Wenger handed him his Premier League debut against Blackburn Rovers at just 16, making him Arsenal’s youngest-ever debutant in the league.

During his career, Wilshere enjoyed loan spells with Bolton Wanderers, where he scored his first Premier League goal, and AFC Bournemouth.

After his time at Arsenal, he went on to play for West Ham United, returned to Bournemouth, and had a stint with Danish side AGF before retiring from professional football in 2022.

Internationally, Wilshere earned 34 England caps and scored two goals.

Following the announcement of his retirement, he quickly transitioned into coaching, taking over Arsenal’s Under-18s less than a week later. In his debut coaching season, he led the side to the final of the 2022/23 FA Youth Cup.

Speaking to canaries.co.uk, Wilshere 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.”

Sporting director Ben Knapper said: “We are delighted to welcome Jack to Norwich City. He is of course someone I know well, and his personality, knowledge and experience will all be huge assets for us.

“He has developed fantastically over the past couple of years, and we feel this is an exciting next step for both parties. His passion for coaching, and football more broadly, is huge, and he has a natural ability to connect with people. That combined with his desire to push and develop both himself and those around him are key attributes that we look forward to harnessing.

“In our view, he is one of the brightest and most exciting young coaches in the country. We can’t wait to begin our journey together with him and to get to work.”

Arsenal wrote via their www.arsenal.com website: Jack Wilshere is leaving his role as Under-18s head coach to join Norwich City as a first-team coach.

Our former midfielder Jack rejoined us in July 2022 as Under-18s head coach and made an immediate impact, leading the team to the FA Youth Cup Final in his first full season in charge. Since returning to the club, Jack, who himself developed through our academy before making 197 senior appearances for the club, has been an influential figure for our young players at what is a crucial stage of their careers.

Academy Manager Per Mertesacker said: “Jack’s development as a coach over the past two seasons has been really impressive. Jack has represented Arsenal in the best possible way, both as a player and in his role as an academy coach.

Jack has not only been a role model for our younger generation on the pitch – showing the young players the skills required at the highest level, but has also demonstrated every day how to be the best possible person.

“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.”

Jack Wilshere said: “I’ve loved every minute of my time as Under-18s head coach and would like to thank Edu, Per, Mikel, my colleagues in the academy and everyone at the club for their fantastic support during my time in the role.

“As everyone knows, Arsenal is and always will be part of who I am, and the club means so much to me. However, this opportunity has come at the right time to progress my coaching career within a first-team environment.

“I have an incredibly special bond with the players and staff at Arsenal, and am so proud of the work we have done as a collective over the last two-and-a-half years. It’s been a privilege to have been involved in the development and progression of such a special group, and I’ll be continuing to watch and support from afar. The future is exciting both for the academy players and the club, and I know the group I’ve been working with will continue to progress and have the potential to achieve great things.

“I’d like to thank everyone at Arsenal Football Club for their support and understanding in my decision and wish everybody at the club the very best for the future. This club will always be close to my heart and for me, this is a ‘see you again’ rather than ‘goodbye’.”

Here’s how fans reacted as Jack Wilshere speaks for the first time on becoming new Norwich first-team coach…

@maxpauley123: Now get us to score goals like the one you scored against us Jack

@Saves1990: This is really a super addition.

@c11shy: Really positive appointment this. Brings a lot of top flight playing experience to #ncfc

@TommyGunn13: A welcome addition to the coaching team 🟡🟢

@kjaghs1: Really happy for him but sad to lose him. One of the best talents the club has produced. Proper Arsenal man!! Best of luck @JackWilshere, hope you come back one day!

@dianencfcfan: Welcome to our wonderful community club Jack, we know you’ll love it here 💚💛 if you want to join Johannes & Glen tonight you’re more than welcome ♥️

@garyrudland1: This is a really progressive appointment and further underlines the refreshing approach being adopted by the club can’t wait to see what he brings 👏👍🏻

@afcrachel: Love you Super Jack Wilshere

@FPLJessx: There’s always a certain irony to us signing the guy who scored what is probably Arsenal’s goal of the century so far AGAINST US…

@jlow88: Peak @FootballManager content.

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