Lee Hendrie has drawn parallels between Jack Wilshere potentially becoming Norwich City’s permanent head coach and the early managerial ventures of former stars like Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, and Steven Gerrard.
Saturday brought a nostalgic twist for Arsenal fans, as former midfield teammates Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey faced off—not as players, but as managers. Wilshere is currently serving as interim head coach at Norwich following Johannes Hoff Thorup’s dismissal, while Ramsey is in a similar caretaker role at relegated Cardiff City.
Yet Wilshere’s stint at Carrow Road may not be temporary. EFL expert Graeme Bailey recently suggested that the former England international could be handed the role permanently, marking his first full-time managerial post. With Thorup’s brief and disappointing spell behind them, Norwich are looking for a long-term figure to lead their Premier League promotion charge—and at 33, Wilshere might be that answer, if the club is willing to invest in his potential.
Speaking to Football League World, former Aston Villa midfielder and Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie commented on the possible appointment:
“This is a big one. Jack has been involved with young players and has learned from top coaches. With his background and achievements, he brings credibility.
“But it’s still a gamble—like we’ve seen with Lampard, Rooney, and Gerrard. They’ve all experienced setbacks and sackings. Wilshere’s lack of EFL management experience makes this risky, but it’s the sort of risk that could pay off given his pedigree.”
Wilshere, once considered one of England’s brightest talents, was forced into early retirement due to injuries. But his coaching career is already turning heads. After leading Arsenal’s U18s to an FA Youth Cup final, he joined Norwich’s coaching team in October 2024. That move appeared part of a long-term succession plan—though a promotion to head coach after just six months might come sooner than expected.
While Hendrie acknowledges the risks, Wilshere’s exposure to elite environments and promising start to coaching suggest this gamble could be a smart one for Norwich.
