Luton Town manager Jack Wilshere is setting his sights on promotion next season after missing out on a place in the League One play-offs.
The 34-year-old replaced Matt Bloomfield last October in what was his first permanent managerial role. It took a few months for him to find his feet, which ultimately left the Hatters playing catch up heading into the final two months of the campaign.
A strong finish followed, which led to final day drama when they visited the Toughsheet Community Stadium to take on Bolton Wanderers. Beginning the day in seventh, Wilshere knew that a place in the top six would be secured if they bettered Stevenage’s result.
Luton did their part when a 93rd minute winner from Shayden Morris secured a 3-2 victory. This looked to be enough to secure a top six finish, but Dan Sweeney bagged a controversial late winner for Stevenage against Wigan Athletic to condemn the Bedfordshire-based side to another season in England’s third tier.
Wilshere Keen To Keep Up Momentum
Wilshere has won over supporters at Kenilworth Road, thanks in part to an excellent victory over Stockport County at Wembley Stadium in April to win the EFL Trophy. They also finished their league campaign with an 11-game unbeaten run.
With the dust having now settled, the former Arsenal and England midfielder has had time to reflect on his debut season in the dugout, whilst also setting his sights on promotion next May. Speaking to Luton Today, he said:
“There is a good feeling from me, I’m more motivated than ever. I know so much more about this league now, I know so much more about this club. I know the demands of the fans and work will start straight away, we’ll start looking to next season, trying to improve and trying to find ways we can get out of this division.”
Continuing, Wilshere claimed that he believed that his side would have been a force to have been reckoned with had they earned a place in the play-offs:
“We’ve had ups, we’ve had downs and I’ve enjoyed every moment. I’ve had the time of my life, the whole time, but especially the last couple of months where the players started to find some rhythm, started to find some momentum and I’m sure that if we’d have got in the play-offs, no-one would have wanted to play us. That’s credit to the players, what they’ve created and how they’ve turned things around because that takes resilience.”
Luton Will Be One Of The Favourites For Promotion
Luton were expected to challenge for a top two finish this season, especially after only playing in the Premier League two years ago. A dreadful start ultimately cost them, but they will find themselves amongst the frontrunners again come August.
Wilshere seems to have kept the majority of his squad together and should he manage to add quality reinforcements to his pack, it is likely they could take some beating. The Hatters’ form during the last two months show they are capable of achieving just that.
