He continued: “We are about to build something special, and an environment and a culture and way of playing that is exciting, so people want to be here.

“And people from outside look at the people here and that’s a good connection to have because it creates some interest and it creates some excitement and that’s what we want.”

Wilshere retired from playing in 2022, aged only 30, and has been in charge of Arsenal’s Under-18s since then.

He knows Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper from the latter’s time as Arsenal’s loans manager.

“Hopefully, we get in a good first-team coach, that’s what we need,” Thorup added.

Norwich go into Tuesday’s game at Preston North End seventh in the Championship table, just two points outside the top six.

Asked how he felt his first 10 games had gone, Thorup said: “I’m not in the business to judge myself. I will never sit here and praise myself – maybe I’ll do the opposite if I have to.

“Look at the team, if you like watching the team, you have the answer. If you don’t, you also have an answer.”