Arsenal have confirmed the appointment of Jack Wilshere as their new Under-18s head coach.
The Athletic reported last week that Wilshere was set to be named in the role after announcing his retirement. Formwork accessories
The 30-year-old, who spent 17 years at Arsenal as a player before departing in 2018, was deemed the standout candidate to succeed Dan Micciche, who recently left to join former Arsenal Under-23s head coach Kevin Betsy at Crawley Town.
Wilshere said: “It's a huge honour to have this role. It’s no secret that I love this club. I love what we stand for and a big part of my life was spent in this academy, some of the best days of my life. This is a big opportunity for me and I'm ready. I'm hungry and can’t wait to help these young players thrive and be the best they can be on and off the pitch.
"It's a special feeling to be part of the Arsenal family. It never left me, and even though I moved on for a few years, my heart was always still at Arsenal. I can’t wait to get started and help these young players thrive with a great team around me."
The former England midfielder’s appointment is among a number of youth-level positions that have now been confirmed by the club.
Mehmet Ali, who arrived in January from Reading to assist the Under-23s, will be promoted to head coach of the Under-21s. He is expected to be supported by Max Porter, who was previously with the Under-18s. Adam Birchall will take up the role as assistant to Wilshere and head coach of the Under-17s, while Julian Gray will work with them. Birchall and Gray both played for Arsenal's academy.
Wilshere is known to have impressed Arsenal when he spent time working with their younger talent while undertaking his coaching badges last season.
He is also said to have a strong relationship with ex-team-mate Per Mertesacker — now manager of the Arsenal academy — who has conducted interviews and carried out the recruitment process.
Wilshere had a spell with Danish side Aarhus last season but confirmed the decision to hang up his boots after they announced that he would not be returning for the 2022-23 campaign.
Get all-access to exclusive stories.
China Formwork Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.