Luton’s Jack Wilshere: Winning a trophy as a manager surpasses that of a player

An emotional Jack Wilshere admitting winning at Wembley as a manager surpasses that of a player.

The former Arsenal and England midfielder was speaking after his Luton side beat Stockport 3-1 in the final of the EFL Trophy.

A goal from Manchester City loanee Emilio Lawrence and Nahki Wells’ double earned Wilshere silverware in his first season as a manager.

Wilshere said: “I loved every single moment of my career and won trophies. To do so as a coach when you are standing on the side of the pitch as leader feels really good.

“When you are a player, you are more selfish and the main concerns are how you are physically, mentally and technically, but you are more responsible as a coach.”

Wilshere praised his senior players, including Wells, for the key role they played in the success.

He was also delighted for 35-year-old Wells, who had been an injury doubt for the game.

Wilshere added: “Nahki came off with a tight groin on Monday and didn’t train this week.

“We waited for him as long as possible because we wanted his experience and know-how. He is a leader and gives us energy around the place.”

Wilshere is hoping to use the Wembley win as a catalyst to make a late charge for a play-off spot in League One.

He also paid tribute to Luton’s long-suffering fans who have endured adversity – they had more than 30,000 supporters at Wembley.

“In three years they have gone from the high of getting to the Premier League to a double relegation,” Wilshere said.

“I’m a West Ham fan and when they were relegated it ruined my life. The fans deserved that.”

Stockport manager Dave Challinor, whose side took an early lead through Adama Sidibeh, wants the Wembley defeat to act as motivation to cement their League One play-off place.

He said: “We want to use the disappointment as motivation on Wednesday and Saturday (away matches at AFC Wimbledon and Exeter) to be back here in eight weeks’ time.

“You can bottle the emotion, win or lose. Jack will be using it to be back here, just as I will be to add fuel to our fire.”

While winning the trophy would have been great, Challinor added that promotion remains the main goal.

“Today was a one-off while the play-off final is one game which dictates what has happened over nine months and that work starts in July. I wouldn’t swap that,” he said.