Jack Wilshere leaves Norwich as senior coaching ambitions grow
Jack Wilshere leaves Norwich after stepping in as interim head coach, with the club opting to look elsewhere in their search for a permanent manager
Jack Wilshere has left Norwich City by mutual consent following a short but well-regarded spell on the coaching staff, in which he briefly served as interim head coach at the end of the season.
The former Arsenal and England midfielder had joined the club in October as assistant to Johannes Hoff Thorup, later stepping in to lead the team for its final two fixtures after Thorup’s dismissal.
Wilshere took charge of a goalless draw against Middlesbrough, followed by a 4-2 win over Aaron Cardiff City, managed by Aaron Ramsey also on an interim basis, on the final day of the Championship season at Carrow Road.
Despite making a strong impression during that brief tenure, the 33-year-old was not selected for the permanent role, with Norwich currently pursuing an external appointment.
Sporting director Ben Knapper, himself formerly of Arsenal, praised Wilshere’s influence in his time at the club. “Jack made a big impact here in the time he was with us,” Knapper said.
“He built great connections with our players and staff, and we’re all sad to see him move on. We were all very grateful for him stepping in as our interim head coach for the final two games of the season, but we understand and respect his desire to further explore opportunities elsewhere.
“He leaves with our very best wishes, and we’ll follow his progress closely. I’ve no doubt he’ll go on to have a very successful coaching career in the senior game.”
Wilshere is understood to be disappointed not to have been considered more seriously for the permanent post. There was support from within the squad for him to stay on. Full-back Jack Stacey said: “I think I can speak for all of the changing room, I think we’d be delighted for Jack to get it.”
When Derby County paid a then-club-record fee of £6m for Bradley Johnson from Norwich City, head coach Paul Clement described the signing as a “major coup” for the club, but while Johnson was never able to take the club to the top flight, they certainly got value for money out of him.
“Being able to bring Bradley to Derby represents a major coup for the football club. As I have said before, the midfield position is one we have been trying to strengthen, not just with numbers but with quality, and Bradley certainly brings that in abundance”, said Clement in the press release which accompanied the announcement on transfer deadline day 2015. “His experience will prove invaluable to us. He knows how to get out of this division, he has played a lot of Premier League football and is a leader.”
