Ex England midfielder, Jack Wilshire has been appointed as manager of Luton Town.
Wilshire began his career at Luton’s Centre of Excellence and went on to score 18 goals in 288 senior appearances across spells at Arsenal, Bolton, West Ham and Denmark’s AGF amidst two separate one-season stints at Bournemouth.
His career also saw him score twice in 34 senior appearances for England between 2010-16.
The 33 year-old since enjoyed a brief caretaker managerial spell at Norwich in late April 2025 after Johannes Hoff Thorup was sacked, during which he led the Canaries to a win and draw in his two games in charge at the end of last season.
Wilshire has now replaced Matt Bloomfield at the helm at Luton after the latter was sacked with the Hatters sat 11th in the League One table last week.
“It’s a huge honour and a privilege to be named Luton Town manager,” explained Wilshire who described the opportunity as a life circle moment.
“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.”
Wilshire also reflected on the club’s progress since his days at Kenilworth Road as he spoke of their fall and rise as an inspiration.
“This Club’s story inspires me,” commented Wilshire. “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.”
Wilshire acknowledged that Luton are currently nine points off the summit and five points behind the last play-off spot, which is held by sixth-placed Lincoln City, but insisted that the season is still early for them to mount a turnaround and secure instant promotion back to Championship.
“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.”
Luton CEO, Gary Sweet added: “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.”
Sweet also spoke of Wilshire’s coaching journey which saw him initially take charge of Arsenal Under-18s and led them to the 2022-23 FA Youth Cup Final, where the Gunners lost to another of his former teams – West Ham.
“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.”
Wilshire will be assisted by fellow ex England international, Chris Powell and his first game in charge will be at home to Mansfield Town on Saturday 18 October at 3pm BST.
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