Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere has officially taken over as Luton Town’s new manager in League One. The club has endured a steep drop after consecutive relegations from the Premier League and the Championship. He replaces Matt Bloomfield, who was dismissed in early October after nine months in charge.
A Return to Where It Began
Wilshere’s connection to Luton goes back to his childhood. He started at the club’s youth academy before moving to Arsenal. Now, he’s back to guide the team as manager.
“It’s a huge honour and a privilege to be named Luton Town manager,” Wilshere 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.”
Luton currently stands 11th in League One. Wilshere’s first game will be at home against Mansfield Town on October 18. The club also begins its 2025/26 FA Cup campaign at the first-round stage.
A New Chapter After Tough Seasons
Luton’s recent journey has been turbulent. After playing in the Premier League during the 2023/24 season, the team has slipped down two divisions. Despite the pressure, Wilshere believes in building something meaningful.
“This club’s story inspires me. Built on belief, unity, and hard work,” he said. “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.”
Backed by the Club Leadership
Wilshere has strong support from Luton Town’s management. CEO Gary Sweet praised his enthusiasm and long-standing bond with the club.
“Jack’s passion, intelligence, and modern approach to the game align perfectly with the values and ambitions of Luton Town,” Sweet said. “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.”
Sweet added that Wilshere’s local roots made his appointment even more special. “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 said.
Experience Beside Him
To strengthen his backroom team, Wilshere has brought in former England international Chris Powell as his assistant manager. Powell brings years of managerial and coaching experience from spells at Charlton, Huddersfield, and Southend, along with his role in Gareth Southgate’s England staff.
Before this appointment, Wilshere guided Arsenal’s U18s to the FA Youth Cup final in 2023 and briefly acted as interim manager at Norwich City. Now stepping into his first permanent managerial role, he faces the challenge of reviving a fallen Premier League side.
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