Jack Wilshere secures inaugural managerial title as Luton claims EFL trophy
Jack Wilshere achieved his first accolade as a manager after Luton triumphed over Stockport 3-1 in the EFL Trophy final.
The former Arsenal and England midfielder, who won the FA Cup twice as a player, secured silverware in his inaugural season as a manager, thanks to goals from Emilio Lawrence and a brace from Nahki Wells.
Wilshere’s objective is to restore the club’s former glory following consecutive relegations that have seen Luton descend from the Premier League in 2024 to 10th place in League One.
Additionally, Luton’s 10th appearance at Wembley created another memorable moment to join their League Cup final victory against Arsenal in 1988 and Championship play-off final success against Coventry in 2023.
It was another frustrating outing at the home of English football for Stockport, who have managed only one win in seven appearances and have not defeated Luton in 18 encounters since 1968.
Stockport has also lost all three finals of the EFL Trophy, with the previous two in 1992 and 1993.
Referee Martin Coy faced a significant decision when he denied Luton a penalty in the second minute.
Isaiah Jones was pushed in the back by Josh Stokes and fell to the ground, with replays indicating there was considerable contact.
Stockport capitalized on their fortune to take the lead in the 11th minute through Adama Sidibeh, who sprinted onto Odin Bailey’s through ball, outpaced defender Mads Andersen, and struck a shot into the ground that looped over goalkeeper James Shea.
This marked Sidibeh’s eighth goal for Stockport since his January transfer from St Johnstone, and he has scored in each of the last four matches.
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Luton responded, with Stockport defender Ethan Pye inadvertently heading the ball against his own post while attempting to intercept Kal Naismith’s cross.
They equalized in the 22nd minute when Jordan Clark’s diagonal pass found Lawrence, and the Manchester City loanee broke free before unleashing a powerful, low shot that went through the legs of keeper Corey Addai.
Veteran striker Wells, 35, completed the comeback by putting Luton ahead in the 39th minute after skillfully controlling Naismith’s cross, turning expertly, and shooting past Addai.
Luton could have extended their lead just before halftime when Jones broke free, but Ben Osborn made a crucial last-ditch tackle to prevent a goal.
In a second half that lacked the excitement of the first 45 minutes, Clark came close to scoring a third for Luton, which finally arrived in the first of 10 added minutes.
