Chris Powell has joined Luton Town as Jack Wilshere’s assistant manager in his first permanent job since leaving Sheffield Wednesday.
Sheffield Wednesday have been through a lot of change over the past few months.
SWFC have been treading on thin ice under Dejphon Chansiri for a long time, but the complete collapse of his financial position has the club in dire straits. The Owls are under several embargoes, with points deductions inevitable.
Image courtesy of: ED SYKES/REUTERS.
As a result of payment issues, numerous staff and players have departed. The exit of Danny Rohl in the summer saw much of his coaching staff move on too, with coach Chris Powell among them.
Now, the popular Powell has his first permanent job since leaving Sheffield Wednesday.
Luton Town have confirmed the appointment of Jack Wilshere as their new boss after sacking Matt Bloomfield. And, serving as a vastly experienced number two, Powell is joining as his assistant manager.
Wilshere and Powell will be overseeing their first game on Saturday as the Hatters host Mansfield Town.
Ex-SWFC man Powell has been serving as an interim part of Mat Sadler’s coaching setup at Walsall over recent weeks. That spell has now come to an end though, with a permanent role in place.
Chris Powell an ideal right-hand man for rookie boss Wilshere
By all accounts, Wilshere is a bright coaching talent. After retiring young, he took up a role as Arsenal U18s boss and from there, he was added to the Norwich City backroom team.
He briefly served as their caretaker boss after Johannes Hoff Thorup’s exit. This is a jump in at the deep end though, with Luton Town out to return to the Championship at the first time of asking and in need of a turnaround.
Image courtesy of: ANDREW BOYERS/REUTERS.
With limited experience to his name, Wilshere will benefit hugely from leaning on the pedigree of ex-Sheffield Wednesday coach Powell.
Alongside spells as assistant boss at SWFC, ADO Den Haag, Derby County, Leicester City and England, Powell was boss of Charlton Athletic, Huddersfield Town and Southend United. The 56-year-old has cut a hugely popular figure at many of his clubs, building strong rapport with players and fans while boasting the coaching expertise that has seen him work with some elite talents.
Sheffield Wednesday getting on with it after summer changes
Powell would have remained a figure of real importance at Sheffield Wednesday if he had stayed beyond Rohl’s departure. However, the Owls have had little choice but the crack on with what they’ve got.
Henrik Pedersen has been hailed for his selfless actions and motivational management in tough circumstances. He and his coaching staff continue to work through adversity in a bid to upset the odds and find success on the pitch in a time of perilous instability.
As the end of the international break nears, eyes will be on the return to action against Charlton Athletic this Saturday.