Town boss Jack Wilshere has called the opportunity to lead the club out at Wembley the 'proudest moment' of his career, ahead of the Vertu Trophy Final against Stockport County
The former England international, who landed his first post in full-time management following his appointment in October, has guided The Hatters through to another appearance at the home of football having overcome Northampton in the semi-finals at Kenilworth Road.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference at The Brache, Wilshere spoke about how proud he was to be leading his side out in hopes to reclaim the trophy for the first time since 2009, stating: “I've been a coach for just over three and a half years and if you’d said to me on day one of walking into the U18s and standing in front of the staff and players that in three and a half years you’ll be leading Luton Town out at Wembley, I wouldn’t have believed you.
“Again, there has been loads of sacrifice and learning and development. I’ve failed, I’ve then had to go again, I’ve been lucky that I’ve been surrounded by good people on that journey and inspired by good people, but a really proud moment and probably the proudest moment of my footballing career, because of how quickly it’s happened, but also with the people that we’re doing it with.”
The Town boss will also be hoping that another triumph at the national stadium will provide a valuable springboard for the side, as the club look to mount a late charge into the playoff places. With it being 17 years since that bright spark in an otherwise dark season, Wilshere will be hoping to emulate club legend Mick Harford in leading the side to a famous Wembley win, with Wilshere adding: “Of course, your mind wanders, when I’m on my own, when I’m driving in, when I’m trying to sleep - what it would feel like if we did win it.
“It would be an amazing feeling and mainly because, and I genuinely mean this, because of the staff and the people at the club who have supported me, who have also been on the journey with the club of double relegation and they have suffered during that time.
“We have still got loads of work to do to get back to where we want, but this could provide a little glimmer of hope that we can get there and give us that push to get there.”
With over 30,000 Hatters descending upon the capital, the gaffer was also keen to urge his thanks for the support he has received since his appointment, while also hoping that the reward of the day out at Wembley would provide another moment of jubilation for the club.
“To give them a day out at Wembley, I know how much that means to them and you can see by how many tickets we’ve sold how much it does mean to them, and hopefully we can give them something to celebrate at the end of it.
“We really appreciate their support, number one for the team, because it’s important and these players need that – they need the confidence and belief from the fans, but number two, for me, because it was a risk when I got this job, I understood that, but the fans have embraced me and I’m really grateful for that.”
We’re looking forward to welcoming you in your numbers to get behind Town and roar us on.
Come on you Hatters!
