Hatters chief happy to give Luton fans something to celebrate at Wembley

Luton boss Jack Wilshere was thrilled to give the Hatters’ fans something to celebrate after a tough few years with victory in the Vertu Trophy final over Stockport County on Sunday.

The last time Town’s supporters headed to the home of English football, it was to witness their side beat Coventry City 6-5 on penalties to win the Championship play-off final and take their place among the elite by reaching the Premier League. Not many there on the day would have expected the next time they graced the home of English football it would have been in a competition for League One, League Two and Premier League U21 sides, but having tumbled out of the top flight and then the Championship in successive seasons, that was indeed the case.

Although it hasn’t been anywhere near the campaign that supporters wanted, with hopes of even getting into the play-offs hanging by a few threads, over 33,000 still made their way up Wembley Way in anticipation of silverware, and were treated to an excellent display from their side who were excellent value for their 3-1 victory.

They had to do it the hard way too, in what was a hugely entertaining affair, falling behind on 11 minutes to Adamah Sidibeh’s breakaway strike, but hit back to lead 2-1 at the break thanks to goals from Emilio Lawrence and Nahki Wells. Keeper James Shea then made a superb save in the closing stages of the contest to keep Town in front, before Wells bagged a third in the first minute of stoppage time to seal the victory, ensuing the Hatters’ supporters got to celebrate their second successive victory at the national stadium.

Discussing just what how proud he was to give Luton’s supporters something to cheer about, Wilshere said: “We’re not where we want to be and we understand that, but also you can see how much this club means to the fans. The support we had today and the support we’ve had all season, I’ve said so many times that I understand their frustrations. Sometimes in some games they haven’t always seen what they want to see, but it’s never been through a want of trying.

"The players are all in to try and turn this around, to try and get back up the leagues, to try and get us more consistent, and we need the fans. Any club, especially this club because of where it’s been and the support it has and how much it means to so many people, they need to see that you’re winning games. They want to win trophies, fans want that and the players delivered that, so I’m really happy for the players, but also really happy for the supporters as it hasn’t always been easy for them.”

Just viewing the wall of orange behind the goal to his left was a joy to Wilshere as well, the Hatters’ contingent easily outnumbering those who had come down from Edgeley Park, particularly having had such a tough time of it on the pitch in the last two seasons, as he continued: “This club, for years and years they’ve had that (level of support). It’s a big club and it means so much to so many people, especially around the town.

"I’m really happy for them as they’ve had a tough few years. Three years ago the high of getting to the Premier League and then a tough few years of dropping down the leagues. To get double relegation has been tough and they deserve days like this because of the support they give, because of the love they have. They keep coming to the Kenny to support us, I keep getting loads of positive messages about the club and they deserve that today.”

While the supporters were able to go and enjoy the victory in the various establishments around London and back in Bedfordshire afterwards, it was a bit different for the players, who have a home game against Northampton Town to prepare for. Asked what his charges would get up to, Wilshere stated: “A little one (celebration), a small one.

"As I think that’s important as well, that the players, the staff, they spend time together, they spend time with families, because we ask their dad or their husband or whatever they are to them, their son, to give up a lot. Being a footballer and having a career in this game is a 24/7 thing where you always have to be ready, you always have to commit yourself, you have to make sacrifices. Then when you win things you have to spend time with your family because they deserve it as well."

Wilshere was also fairly emotional at the full time whistle when the job was done, shaking hands with opposite number David Challinor and then quickly embracing assistant boss Chris Powell before making his way over to the throngs of Luton supporters. Asked about his immediate feelings, he added: “I was (emotional), you sacrifice a lot.

"I’ve got four young kids and an amazing wife, who they also have to sacrifice a lot and they have to commit a lot. We’re not where we want to be, but it’s a big step and it’s a nice feeling, as all of the hard work that you put in and the hours you sacrifice you can kind of see that you're on the right track. There’s going to be more adversity that we’re going to face, but we have to enjoy today.”