Wilshere's principles fit Hallett's 'Argyle Way'

PLYMOUTH Argyle would be getting a strong man-manager with a track record of playing attacking and possession-based football if bookies’ favourite Jack Wilshere is named the Pilgrims’ new head coach.

- By EDD MOORE

That is the verdict from one of the country’s top Arsenal journalists, who has watched the former Gunners and England star’s work guiding the club's Under-18s to success in recent years.

Wilshere is the frontrunner to succeed Miron Muslic in the Home Park dugout, according to the bookmakers, although former Watford boss Tom Cleverley has come in as second favourite.

Wilshere became head coach of Arsenal's Under-18 team in the summer of 2022 following his retirement from playing and was a resounding success in the role. Last year he left to step into a first team coaching role at Norwich City and, following the sacking of Johannes Hoff Thorup in April, took charge of the team for their final two matches of the Championship season.

After a stalemate at Middlesbrough he guided them to a 4-2 victory to already-relegated Cardiff City at Carrow Road on the final day.

However, Wilshere left the Canaries last week by mutual agreement and is likely to have senior coaching ambitions for the 2025/26 season and that could involve taking charge at a Football League club on a permanent basis for the first time.