Having seen Jack Wilshere steer his side into the FA Youth Cup final in his first season as under-18s head coach, Academy Manager Per Mertesacker has been impressed with the impression his former Gunners teammate has made so early in his managerial career.
Having called time on his playing days last summer aged just 30, Wilshere immediately put himself in the frame for the role having spent time learning the ropes at Hale End and London Colney last season.
Mertesacker admitted that he had his doubts as to whether Wilshere would have the desire to pursue a coaching career, but a little over 12 months since Jack first returned to the club, he is now on the verge of potentially claiming our first Youth Cup triumph since he was patrolling the midfield in the 2009 final.