Paris Saint-Germain v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg
Jack Wilshere is in contention for his first permanent manager’s job (Picture: Getty Images)
Jack Wilshere has emerged as favourite to be the next Plymouth Argyle manager, following the departure of Miron Muslic.
The Pilgrims were relegated from the Championship this season, finishing 23rd in the second tier, three points adrift of safety.
Muslic could not save them from the drop but he did lead them to an unforgettable FA Cup win over Liverpool in one of the club’s great days.
The 42-year-old only joined Plymouth in January but he has now left the club, moving to Germany to take over Schalke.
That has left a vacancy at Plymouth as they prepare for a return to League One and Wilshere has been installed as the favourite to fill it.
Bet Victor are offering odds of just 1/3 (at the time of writing) that the 33-year-old will be Plymouth’s next permanent manager, with the likes of David Wagner and Ian Evatt next in the betting at 4/1.
Wilshere’s coaching career so far has seen him take charge of Arsenal’s Under-18 team, before moving to Norwich City in October 2024 as a first team coach.
Norwich City FC v Burnley FC - Sky Bet Championship
Wilshire spent less than a year at Norwich (Picture: Getty Images)
After the dismissal of Johannes Hoff Thorup in April, Wilshere stepped up to interim manager for the final two games of the Championship season, winning one and drawing the other.
However, on May 24 it was announced that the England international midfielder would be leaving the Canaries by mutual agreement, with Bristol City boss Liam Manning expected to take over at Carrow Road.
Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper said of Wilshere’s exit: ‘Jack made a big impact here in the time he was with us. He built great connections with our players and staff, and we’re all sad to see him move on.
‘We were all very grateful for him stepping in as our interim head coach for the final two games of the season, but we understand and respect his desire to further explore opportunities elsewhere.
Atalanta BC v Arsenal FC - UEFA Youth League 2024/25
Wilshere began his coaching career in the Arsenal youth set-up (Picture: Getty Images)
‘He leaves with our very best wishes and we’ll follow his progress closely. I’ve no doubt he’ll go on to have a very successful coaching career in the senior game.’
Plymouth were promoted to the Championship in 2023 when they won League One and narrowly stayed up in 2024, finishing 21st.
Wayne Rooney was given the job in May 2024 but lasted just 25 games in charge, winning only five of them.
Plymouth Argyle FC v Swansea City AFC - Sky Bet Championship
Wayne Rooney left Plymouth in December (Picture: Getty Images)
Muslic improved on that record, winning nine of his 23 matches at the helm, but ultimately fought a losing battle in trying to keep the Pilgrims up.
On his departure for Schalke, Muslic said: ‘My thanks go first to Plymouth Argyle, who made it possible for me to hold talks with FC Schalke 04, I’m very grateful to all those at Schalke for placing their trust in me. From the very first contact, we had open and honest discussions.
‘Together with Frank Baumann, Youri Mulder, Ben Manga and Matthias Tillmann, we discussed in detail what Schalke are looking for and how I can contribute. We’re determined to put that plan into action, and I’m ready to get to work with full conviction and passion.’
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