Jack Wilshere got his coaching career off to an ideal start with a North London derby victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
The former Arsenal midfielder made the decision to hang his boots last month following a 14-year career within the professional game. He last represented Danish club AGF after his release from Bournemouth but only managed to make 14 appearances for the club before once again being without a club this summer.
At the age of 30, he announced his decision to retire via an emotional statement and was then confirmed to be returning to one of his former clubs Arsenal as the North London outfit’s U18 head coach.
He was given his first competitive outing on Saturday afternoon in a tantalising North London derby against fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The Gunners were comfortable 4-1 winners on the day, with Omari Benjamin plundering a first-half hat-trick.
Damol Ajayi found the net for Spurs to reduce the deficit, only to see Ethan Nwaneri add a fourth after the break. The victory leaves the Arsenal U18’s side fourth in the under-18 Premier League South table having won one, drawn one and lost the other of their opening three matches.
Wilshere will have another chance to put his side through its paces next week as they travel north to take on Newcastle United in the Premier League cup before clashing with Blackburn Rovers in league action in mid-September.
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Whilst Wilshere will of course be keen for his side to continue their recent good form, he will no doubt be focused on developing the next star to come off the Gunners’ productive line having plotted the same path throughout his career.
The ex-playmaker eventually ended up making 197 appearances for the North London club, with injury massively disrupting his final few seasons at the Emirates Stadium before he left to join Premier League rivals West Ham United.
Speaking after being confirmed as the U18s head coach, he 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 you know 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, 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."
