Jack Wilshere 'close' to first managerial role after ex-Premier League club sack boss

Former Arsenal player and coach Jack Wilshere is understood to be in the running for his first full-time managerial role. The 33-year-old is said to be a top contender for the managerial position at Luton Town - following the club's decision to part ways with Matt Bloomfield on Monday.

Wilshere, who previously led Arsenal's Under-18s to the FA Youth Cup final, had a brief stint as interim manager at Norwich City last season. Despite securing a win and a draw in his two Championship matches for the Canaries, he was overlooked for the permanent role.

However, Wilshere remains keen to return to senior management and is currently the favourite among several bookmakers to take the reins at Kenilworth Road. Bloomfield took charge of the Hatters in January amidst a relegation battle but was unable to prevent their drop from the Premier League to League One within a span of two years.

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A few members of the squad that played in the Premier League under Rob Edwards are still at the club, but their performance in the third tier has been inconsistent. Luton decided to let go of Bloomfield after accumulating only 16 points from 11 games, with a recent defeat at Stevenage sealing the deal.

"Performances and results from the opening 11 matches of the current campaign in League One have fallen below the levels expected, and the board of directors has taken the difficult decision to relieve Matt, his assistant Richard Thomas, first-team coach Lee Harrison and first team analyst Ben Cirne of their duties," a club statement from Luton read.

"The board wishes to thank Matt, Richard, Lee and Ben for their efforts during a difficult period for the club and wishes them the very best for their future careers."

Back in August, Wilshere - who was part of Norwich's coaching setup under previous manager Johannes Hoff Thorup before then temporarily taking charge himself - rejected the opportunity to re-join Arsenal. The choice aligned with his ambition to secure a senior position, something he explored in a conversation with The Athletic.

"These things that you're involved in as a player; it's completely different when you're on the other side and you're the guy who's leading it," he said. "My ambition is to be a head coach. I don't know when, but hopefully one day."

When Norwich settled on their new permanent boss, it was Liam Manning who received the appointment. The 39-year-old possesses greater experience than Wilshere at Championship level, and arrived after guiding Bristol City to the play-offs last season.

Following two victories from their initial two away fixtures, Manning's squad have witnessed their luck change. They are now without a win in their five league matches, and suffered defeat to bitter rivals Ipswich Town at the weekend.