It was one of the worst kept secrets in football, but as Jack Wilshere's return to Arsenal as their new under-18s coach was announced to staff at London Colney on Monday morning, the beaming faces that greeted it were a welcome sight. Despite having ended his playing days with the Gunners four years ago there is still a real bond that Wilshere shares with many at the club that makes them desperate to see him succeed.
"We - I mean Edu, Mikel and myself - we were so involved in the process, we want to make it work, we want to help him, we want to support him," said academy manager Per Mertsacker. "Luke Hobbs, the head of coaching and all the academy staff were so fantastic because they want to make it work, they know how powerful it is, but they know how much support he will need as well. Everyone will sacrifice to make Jack a success."
Wilshere's return has certainly given a boost to everyone around the club, but it's no spur of the moment decision. In fact it's a move that has been more than nine months in the making.
