What Jack Wilshere must do to lift the club again
Nasrul Gani assesses how Jack Wilshere can change Luton Town’s fortunes following his appointment as manager.
Photo Credit: Luton Town FC
A new chapter has begun at Luton Town. Less than two years after playing Premier League football, the Hatters find themselves 11th in League One, nine points behind the leaders with 35 games still to play. The slide has been dramatic, and now the hope is that Jack Wilshere can be the man to stop it.
For Wilshere, this is a huge opportunity. His move into management has been gradual and deliberate, starting with Arsenal’s Under-18s, where he led them to the FA Youth Cup final in his first season. From there he joined Norwich City’s coaching staff, eventually stepping in as interim manager for the final two matches of last season. A 0-0 draw at Middlesbrough and a 4-2 home win against Cardiff were his first steps in senior management. They may not sound like much, but those games showed his calm presence and tactical clarity.
Now he takes charge of a Luton side searching for identity and belief. The energy and fearlessness that once carried the club up through the divisions have faded. The football has been flat, the confidence fragile, and supporters are desperate for something to believe in again. Wilshere’s first task is not tactical but cultural. He has to bring back that sense of fight, connection and togetherness that once made this club so difficult to play against.
As a player, Wilshere was known for his drive and edge. He played with heart and refused to hide, even against the best in the world. Those qualities will be vital now. Luton need a manager who can inject intensity back into the team, who can make players feel proud to wear the shirt and make fans feel proud to watch them. League One is a long season and with 35 games left, there is still plenty of time to put things right, but the turnaround must start quickly.
His partnership with Chris Powell could be one of the most important elements of this new era. Powell brings years of experience in the Football League, both as a manager and a respected figure in the game. He will offer guidance and balance, while allowing Wilshere to focus on developing his ideas and connecting with the players. It is a smart move that should give the new head coach a solid foundation.
Former England international, Chris Powell comes in as assistant manager. Photo Credit: Luton Town FC
On the pitch, clarity will be key. In recent months Luton have looked unsure of what they want to be. They were known for their aggression, pressing and directness, but under Matt Bloomfield that intensity faded as the team tried to become more possession-based. Wilshere needs to strike a balance between both approaches. Luton must rediscover their grit while also showing the composure and technical confidence that reflects Wilshere’s footballing background.
Equally important will be rebuilding the bond between the players and supporters. Luton fans are loyal but they expect honesty and effort. They know what good football looks like, but they also value commitment above all else. If Wilshere’s team shows fight, energy and togetherness, the fans will respond in kind. Kenilworth Road can still be one of the most intimidating grounds in the league when it is rocking.
This appointment carries risk, as all managerial changes do, but it also carries promise. Wilshere is young, ambitious and hungry to prove himself. For Luton, it is a chance to reset after a period of drift and rediscover what made them such a powerful story in the first place. The job will not be easy, but the opportunity is there for both club and manager to grow together.
The next few months will define what kind of coach Wilshere becomes and what kind of club Luton want to be. If he can restore belief, instil discipline and bring back that relentless edge, the Hatters’ push for promotion can still be very real.
Wilshere has already started work with the squad. Photo Credit: Luton Town FC
WHat do the fans think?
This is a fresh start, and for the first time in a while, there is genuine air of optimism around the club.
We asked Luton fans on X what they think of the appointment…
Oak Road Hatter podcast host, Finley Cannon said: “Luton fans have been waiting for change and now the appointment of Jack Wilshere and Chris Powell brings something completely new. It is going to be a total surprise what we see on the pitch come Saturday’s visit of Mansfield but so far, everything Wilshere has said has me feeling optimistic and, for the first time in a little while, genuinely excited about what we could see on the pitch.
“The appointment of Chris Powell is crucial, providing Wilshere with an experienced head to help guide him. Wilshere’s experience playing at the highest level is something that should inspire this current squad and make Kenilworth Road rock again.”
