Jack Wilshere is taking a new direction in his footballing career this season.Announcing his retirement as a professional player this summer upon the expiration of his contract at Danish side AGF, Wilshere now has his sights set on making a name for himself in the world of coaching.Just a week after the former England international hung up his boots, it was announced that he would be taking his first step on the managerial ladder as the head coach of Arsenal's under-18 side.

Wilshere moves into coaching

The move would see Wilshere play a key role in the very youth set-up that helped him rise through the ranks at Arsenal to become the talented first-teamer who tamed a prime Barcelona that Gooners still adore to this day.

According to Sky Sports, Wilshere said upon inheriting the position: "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."

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Wilshere's start to life with Arsenal U18

So, how has Wilshere the coach been faring in the Arsenal U18 hot seat so far? Well, there's been a little bit of everything actually as the young Gunners opened up their 2022/23 season with one win, one draw and one loss.

Wilshere suffered a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea U18 on his coaching debut, before taking a step in the right direction next time out with a 1-1 draw against Fulham.

And then, it was a case of third time lucky for Wilshere as he watched his Arsenal starlets bag their first win of the season in sensational style as they tore apart Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby of academy football.

A storming 4-1 triumph at Arsenal's London Colney training centre not only secured Wilshere his first ever win as a manager, but also kickstarted the Gunners' new season in spectacular fashion.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Jack Wilshere of Arsenal acknowledges fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on April 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Wilshere's speech after NLD win

And just to make things even better, fans were given a tantalising insight on what Wilshere is like as a coach when Arsenal's academy channels posted a video of his post-match speech to the players.

The fascinating footage shows how much Wilshere has already grown into the world of tracksuits, whistles and tactical boards as he praised his Arsenal boys for the mentality that they showed against their local rivals.

There's even a lovely touch at the end where the former Gooner himself ensures that his players give a big old cheer to make sure the Spurs lads knew exactly what it meant to them.

So if you're wondering where Wilshere finds himself right now in the oft-eventful world that is a career in football then be sure to watch him in full coaching action with his Spurs team talk down below:

You love to see it.

Fan reaction

Wilshere gets Fabregas involved

And it doesn't end there because Wilshere really did pull out all the stops to ensure that his Arsenal side was pumped up to batter their rivals, even calling upon his old teammate Cesc Fabregas to get the blood pumping.

In a lovely interview reflecting on the win, Wilshere reminisced on how much Fabregas embodied the spirit of the north London derby while also revealing that he got the ex-Arsenal captain to record a pre-match message for the players.

A bright future for Jack

As we all know, both Wilshere and Fabregas rose through Arsenal's youth ranks to become big hits at the club, so it only feels natural that they're both getting involved in the journey of the next generation.

And as far as Wilshere is concerned, it might seem strange to see him in a coaching setting at first considering he's still only 30 years old, but just a few seconds of watching him speak to the squad makes everything feel so natural.

There's only so much you can conclude from his first three games in management, don't get it twisted, but no doubt victory over Spurs will have tasted even sweeter from the pressure cooker that is the dugout.

Jackie boy really is Arsenal through and through.