Learning from Arteta and inspiring youngsters - Wilshere on management
Retold by Oddsrama · 3 October 2026
Jack Wilshere has come full circle in his football journey. The former Arsenal midfielder started his youth career at Luton Town at age seven, won silverware with the Gunners, represented England twice at major tournaments, and battled through injuries before retiring at 30. Now, a year into his first senior management role, he's back at Luton as boss—and already collecting trophies. He guided the Hatters to EFL Trophy glory last April, beating Stockport County 3-1 at Wembley in front of nearly 50,000 fans. Speaking to BBC Sport, the 34-year-old reflected on a playing career he's genuinely proud of, despite injury cutting it short.
Wilshere wasted little time transitioning into coaching after hanging up his boots. Arsenal brought him in to work with their academy, and he immediately fell in love with the tactical side of the game. Mikel Arteta, his former teammate, became a crucial influence on his coaching philosophy. Wilshere absorbed how Arteta prepared sessions, asked questions about the reasoning behind decisions, and learned to translate that knowledge into his own coaching. "I had to learn how to teach," he explained. "I had to learn how to get that across, how to plan a session and get the outcomes you wanted." That relationship with a top-level coach early on shaped everything that followed.
Part of Wilshere's satisfaction came from developing young talent who went on to achieve at the highest level. He coached Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, and Max Dowman during their academy days—all three have since played for Arsenal's first team. Spotting Dowman's potential when the midfielder was just 13, playing in Wilshere's under-18s squad, felt particularly special. Now at Luton, Wilshere is channelling that same eye for young players and understanding of development to inspire the next generation. His quick success in management suggests he's already cracking the code at his boyhood club.
Related stories
Oddsrama retells the day's football news in our own words, with full credit to the source. 18+. Play responsibly.