Arsenal: Jack Wilshere in contention for return as new Under-21s head coach | OneFootball

Wilshere is a strong candidate to fill the managerial vacancy

Return: Jack Wilshere

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Standard Sport understands the former midfielder is now a contender to become the new head coach of Arsenal’s Under-21 side.

Wilshere was named Arsenal’s Under-18 coach in July 2022 after retiring and he enjoyed a successful stint with them.

He led them to the FA Youth Cup Final in his first full season in charge, with a side that included the likes of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Jack Wilshere has previously worked with Myles Lewis-Skelly

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Wilshere also worked with Max Dowman at Under-18 level, before he left Arsenal to take up a senior coaching job at Norwich last October.

The former midfielder made the move to Norwich as he wanted to progress his career and work in a first-team environment.

Wilshere ended up being the Championship club’s interim head coach for the final two games of last season - a goalless draw away to Middlesbrough and a 4-2 home win over Cardiff City - before mutually agreeing to leave this summer.

Ken Gillard and Max Porter have been taking interim charge of Arsenal’s Under-21 side this summer following the departure of Ali.

Arsenal Under-18 boss, Adam Birchall, has been linked with stepping up an age group after excelling in his current role for a number of years.