October 23rd 2024.
Arsenal's Jack Wilshere is making a big move from his beloved club to join the coaching staff at Norwich. The news has left the family of young Arsenal star Max Dowman feeling very disappointed. Wilshere's retirement from playing due to injuries led him to pursue a coaching career with his childhood team. He has found success coaching the Gunners' Under-18 team and has taken great pride in seeing two of his players, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, become established members of Mikel Arteta's first team this season.
But why is Wilshere leaving Arsenal? Despite his strong connection to the club, he has agreed to join Championship club Norwich as part of Johannes Hoff Thorup's first team staff. Arsenal's Academy manager, Per Mertesacker, respects Wilshere's desire to advance his career, but some feel that more effort could have been made to convince him to stay. It is also known that Wilshere had expressed interest in coaching Arsenal's Under-19 team in the UEFA Youth League, but that opportunity was given to someone with even less coaching experience than Wilshere.
Mertesacker shared his thoughts on Wilshere's departure, saying, "Jack's development as a coach over the past two seasons has been really impressive. He has represented Arsenal in the best possible way, both as a player and in his role as an academy coach. Jack has not only been a role model for our young players on the pitch, but has also shown them how to be the best person they can be. We are all sad to see Jack leave, but we are proud to have played a part in his journey as a coach. We wish him and his family all the best at Norwich City, and we will stay in close contact with him as he continues his coaching career."
Max Dowman is considered the shining star of Arsenal's academy, and Wilshere had a special bond with him. In fact, Wilshere's departure will be especially tough for 14-year-old Dowman, who became the youngest player to score in a UEFA Youth League game in its 11-year history. Wilshere also gave him his Under-18 Premier League debut in 2023, making him the youngest player in the competition's history at only 13 years old. Dowman's family had hoped that their son would have a similar experience as Nwaneri, who was guided by Wilshere in his successful transition to the first team.
Speaking about the pressure that young players like Nwaneri face, Wilshere said, "I've been through that, and people don't see it. It's like an iceberg, where you don't see what's underneath. Right now, Ethan is in that phase where he's struggling. But he's been exceptional, and as coaches, we try to give him the best platform and a clear head." Wilshere's words show his dedication to developing young players and helping them reach their potential.
Although Wilshere is leaving Arsenal, he will always hold a special place in his heart for the club. He expressed his love and gratitude for his time as the Under-18 head coach and thanked everyone at the club for their support. He is excited about the future for both the academy players and the club as a whole. The bond he has formed with the team and staff at Arsenal will always remain, and he will continue to support them from afar.
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