Luton Town boss Jack Wilshere urged his players not to “beat themselves up” after a 2-0 home loss to Mansfield Town in his first game in charge at Kenilworth Road.
The new manager defended veteran striker Nahki Wells following a missed penalty and a costly mistake that led to the Stags’ opener, calling on his side to show composure and learn from their errors.
What Happened and Why It Matters
Wilshere’s debut in the Luton dugout ended in disappointment as the Hatters failed to turn early chances into goals before Mansfield punished them late in the first half. Wells missed a 33rd-minute penalty, his second successive miss, before losing possession moments later, allowing Rhys Oates to curl home a fine strike for the visitors.
Liam Roberts then sealed the result from the spot after the break.
Hatters boss JW told striker Nahki Wells and his Town team-mates not to ‘beat yourselves up’ after their 2-0 loss to Mansfield on Saturday, Wells missing his second penalty in a row and giving the ball away for the Stags opener just before half time. https://t.co/cstygi0Sjb
— LutonNews_LTFC (@LutonNews_LTFC) October 20, 2025
Despite frustration from supporters, Wilshere defended his forward and the team’s intentions, stressing that Luton’s commitment to playing progressive football must be matched by greater tactical discipline.
“I said to Nahki in that 10 to 15 minute spell where we had some good moments, I thought he was instrumental with his positioning and timing to arrive and help link play,” said Wilshere.
“He probably feels down today but we need him. He wanted to take the penalty and I’ll never criticise a player for showing courage.”
The 35-year-old striker, signed in the summer, has now missed 8 of 30 career penalties. Wilshere admitted the miss was deflating but backed his player’s attitude and effort. He also accepted that his side’s passing risk led directly to Mansfield’s breakthrough but framed it as a necessary part of a learning process.
“It’s a technical error, so you practice technique and build connections and understandings,” he explained. “You can have a spell where you think you’re in control and then something happens and the game changes. We want to play, but we have to do it in the right areas.”
🤩 A trademark Rhys Oates finish ™️ pic.twitter.com/7IHMiYmp2v
— Mansfield Town FC (@mansfieldtownfc) October 18, 2025
Reaction, Impact, and What Comes Next
The defeat left Luton still searching for confidence under their new boss, with sections of the home crowd venting their frustration at full-time. Wilshere, however, focused on maintaining morale and perspective, insisting that his squad’s spirit remains intact despite the setback.
“I told them not to beat themselves up too much,” said Wilshere. “I believe in them, and that doesn’t change because we lose a game. I’ve lost so many games in my career as a player and a coach. You learn a lot about people and players in those moments.”
Wilshere revealed that the team will review both positives and shortcomings in training this week, with particular focus on technical execution and mental resilience. The new manager, who only took charge days before the fixture, said his task is to blend the “energy and confidence” seen at The Brache training ground with composure under match-day pressure.
Luton’s struggles in front of goal and a fragile home record have placed early scrutiny on Wilshere’s appointment, but he remains confident that steady improvement will follow. For Wells, whose determination to take responsibility twice from the spot has divided opinion, the coming fixtures provide a chance for redemption.
