Luton Town

Luton Town midfielder Jordan Clark is "optimistic for the future" under Jack Wilshere despite a home defeat by Mansfield in the new manager's first game in charge.

The former Arsenal, West Ham, Bournemouth and England player has the task of turning The Hatters' fortunes around following relegation in the last two seasons.

"He's brought a really good feel. He's just got that aura," Clark told BBC Three Counties Radio

"He's raised everyone's level a bit more, the intensity in training has been really high and for the first 25-30 minutes of the first half, you could see the little things he's worked on, just trying to get everyone to simplify the game a little bit.

"It's going to take time, you can't click your fingers and expect to go out there and win four or five nil.

"The gaffer can tap into his playing experiences and when he says things, you think if he can do it at his level, there's no reason not to do it at this level.

"And he's got Powelly [assistant boss Chris Powell], who's been here there and everywhere and got so much experience. When he speaks, you listen."

Luton had the chance to take the lead against Mansfield when Nahki Wells had a penalty saved and eventually went down 2-0.

"I've been at this club a few years now and when we've got on top we've always scored. At any level that's so important, but especially in the lower leagues because teams can sit back and put 10 or 11 bodies behind the ball," Clark added.

Wilshere has a full week of training to prepare for Luton's next game, away to Northampton Town on Saturday.

Image source, Rex Features

Luton Town boss Jack Wilshere says last season's two-match spell as interim head coach at Norwich City convinced him he was ready to step up into the hot seat

Wilshere first joined the Canaries last year as a first-team coach, moving from his previous role in charge of Arsenal's under-18 side.

"I always said I didn't want to leave that environment until I could really feel I could have an influence and affect first-team players," he told the BBC's 72+ EFL podcast.

"I decided to take that step in Norwich and I think it was a really good step, becoming a first-team coach, being on someone's staff and being able to watch how they do it, feel what the players are feeling - and selfishly at times, (have) the ability to step back because I wasn't the head coach, I wasn't the main guy."

Wilshere admitted he had experienced "imposter syndrome" feelings but being given the chance to lead the team had boosted his self-confidence.

He continued: "Ultimately, what gave me the belief was the last two games of the season.

"You can have a dream and ambition of being a (head) coach but never actually know what that feels like until you're on the sideline or until you're stood in the meeting room in front of the lads and you're asking them to do stuff and trying to bring back an energy - at the time at Norwich it was so flat.

"Seeing that and feeling the players doing what I wanted them to do and give everything for me gave me a massive belief.

"Of course when I left Norwich I was slightly disappointed because I felt I was ready to take that job but I also left with huge belief that I could do it. And I'm thankful to Luton for giving me that opportunity to show it."

Wilshere spent four months looking for an opportunity to get back into coaching at at another club and said he had taken the Luton role with his "eyes and ears open" because he still needs to learn things.

But he added: "I'm in a place where I feel I can really make a difference and create something that will help us be successful."

To listen to the full 72+ EFL podcast, click here.

Former England, Arsenal and West Ham midfielder Jack Wilshere is the new manager of Luton Town.

The 33-year-old replaces Matt Bloomfield, who was sacked last week with the Hatters 11th in League One.

This will be Wilshere's first full-time role after a brief spell in caretaker charge of Norwich City last season and he will have former England coach and Charlton boss Chris Powell as his assistant.

We asked Luton fans for their thoughts on the appointment and there were some mixed views:

James - Poor decision, the board have gone for the cheap option. There is no time for a project manager. Experience of this league is needed if they have designs on getting out of it in the right direction. I hope I am to be proved wrong but can't see this bearing fruit.

SuzyQ - I can't wait for Saturday. A dynamic, young, hungry and ambitious new manager. We had one before called Nathan Jones and if he [Wilshere] has half his passion, we are going to rocket up the league.

Trilb66 - Ideally we need an experienced head but I've always been impressed with Chris Powell so hopefully they can work well as a combo.

Paul - I just hope it works out with Jack. He was a great player and a great lad, and he will get all the backing from the crowd on Saturday. He's got a great assistant as well to back him up. I just hope the board have made the right choice.

Image source, Rex Features

Karen - Unfortunately, Jack is the wrong man for the job. We need someone who realises the players need a reality check and won't be afraid to drop them. Experience is needed, not young blood.

Kevin - Wilshere's a completely unknown quantity so only time will tell if it's a good move or not. We were never going to attract anyone with a significant track record so it's an understandable risk. Having an experienced assistant in Chris Powell is a wise move and gives him the best chance to succeed.

Philip - I hope I'm wrong but my gut feeling is that this appointment could well go horribly and see us slide further down the table possibly into the relegation zone, leading to an even more toxic atmosphere at the club.

Elliot - An exciting appointment for his first proper role. Seems like he will take no rubbish which we need after the last two seasons. The young players will look up to him for sure. I, for one, welcome back one of our own [Wilshere began his career in the Luton youth academy].

Roo - I'm excited by this one. Wilshere will be enthusiastic and has links to Luton, while Powell brings more experience. The key is that fans believe in them and give them full support - something that has really dropped over the past 12 months.

Andrew - I feel it's another gamble by our chairman, Gary Sweet. I sincerely hope it pays off, as it's been painful watching the club become a shadow of its former self. If it doesn't pay off then Sweet will also need to step away.

Image source, Getty Images

Luton Town have named former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere as their new manager, but can he spearhead a Hatters promotion challenge?

The 33-year-old has been handed his first full-time role in management, having had a brief spell as caretaker boss at Norwich City last season.

So, Luton fans, are you happy with this appointment or is it a risk taking on a rookie boss?

Send us your views - and check back here later to read some of the fans' thoughts.