Jack Wilshere has been informed that he will not be appointed as the next permanent manager of Norwich City.
The 33-year-old was named interim boss of the Canaries after Johannes Hoff Thorup was dismissed on April 22, stepping up from his previous position as a first-team coach.
The former Arsenal and England international, whose playing career was unfortunately impacted by injuries, made a positive impression during his short period in charge.
He led the team to a goalless draw away against Middlesbrough and secured a convincing 4-2 home victory over Cardiff City on the final day of the season.
Wilshere`s win against the Bluebirds was notably against his former Gunners midfield teammate Aaron Ramsey, who was also temporarily managing Cardiff.
However, despite Wilshere`s encouraging display in the dugout, Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper has stated that the club`s search for a new manager will be “focused externally”.
Speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk, Knapper commented: “Jack is a fantastic person, he and I have a big history together. He`s a great coach and will be a fantastic head coach, but that`s not going to be here at this particular moment in time.”
Knapper and Wilshere share a good relationship, having known each other from Wilshere`s playing days at Arsenal, where Knapper served as the club`s loans manager from 2019 to 2023.
It is now anticipated that the retired midfielder will leave Norwich completely, with reports from the BBC suggesting he is taking time to evaluate his future options.
Wilshere is reportedly considering pursuing a head coach or manager role at another club following his departure.
Last year, Wilshere was linked with a significant step into senior management and reportedly held discussions with the MLS team Colorado Rapids about becoming their head coach, although a move did not materialise.
Wilshere retired from playing at the age of 30 after consistently battling injuries throughout his career. After emerging as a young talent at Arsenal, he had spells at West Ham, Bournemouth, and Danish club Aarhus GF before deciding his persistent injuries made continuing impossible.
In the same summer he retired, the former highly-rated player began his coaching journey as head coach of Arsenal`s U18 team.
During his first season leading the youth side, he guided the youngsters to the FA Youth Cup final, where they were eventually defeated by West Ham.
He was also instrumental in nurturing talents such as Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Since the conclusion of Norwich`s season, Wilshere has returned to his punditry work, joining TNT Sports in Paris to cover his former club Arsenal`s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain.
