Jack Wilshere wins his first trophy as a manager despite being knocked out of competition

Luton Town have won the EFL Trophy with a 3-1 victory over Stockport County at Wembley Stadium.

The Hatters came from behind to hand Jack Wilshere his first trophy as a manager after just six months in the role.

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The former England midfielder was appointed by the League One side in October.

He needed a reprieve from the EFL to reach the final after Luton were knocked out by Swindon Town in the last 16.

Due to their opponents fielding two ineligible players, the Hatters were later reinstated into the competition, though.

Wembley glory for Luton

Luton made a nightmare start at Wembley, though, as they fell behind early on.

Adama Sidibeh gave Stockport the lead after just 11 minutes having raced onto a long ball over the top.

However, Wilshere’s side were in front before the break as they turned the match on its head.

Emilio Lawrence equalised before Nahki Wells put them in front six minutes before half time.

Luton’s nerves were tested late on as the fourth official indicated there would be ten minutes of added time.

They needed just one to put the result beyond any doubt, though.

Wells was on hand to find the target despite seeing his first effort from a cross blocked.

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The victory seals Luton’s second triumph in the EFL Trophy after previously doing so back in 2009.

However, it is yet more final heartbreak for Stockport as they lost the final for the third time.

Their latest defeat came after previous losses in the 1992 and 1993 finals.

Wilshere’s first piece of silverware

Wilshere will be hoping to take momentum from their cup victory into the League One run-in as Luton chase a play-off place.

His side are six points adrift of the top six with five matches remaining, starting at home to Northampton Town on Wednesday.

Luton are currently on a six-match unbeaten run and have lost just one of their last nine league outings.

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Wilshere needed just 38 matches to deliver his first trophy as a manager.

The 34-year-old started his coaching career as Arsenal’s Under-18s manager before leaving for Norwich City in October 2024.

Having served as an assistant to Johannes Hoff Thorup, Wilshere took charge of the Canaries’ final two matches of last season as caretaker boss.

Luton’s attention now turns back to their league campaign as they aim to bounce back from relegation last season.

The Hatters dropped into League One for the first time since being promoted as champions in 2019 after suffering back-to-back relegations.