Luton Town manager Jack Wilshere has urged his squad to put last night’s victory over Huddersfield Town behind them ahead of Saturday’s clash against ‘one of the best teams in the league’.
The Hatters have begun to steadily climb the League One table since the appointment of the 33-year-old in October after the decision was made to part company with previous boss Matt Bloomfield. The ex-Arsenal and England midfielder oversaw wins over Northampton Town and Stockport County after a debut defeat against Mansfield Town, whilst also progressing in both the FA Cup and EFL Trophy.
Wilshere came up against his first sticking point earlier this month though, first drawing 0-0 at Kenilworth Road against Rotherham United. He then suffered a setback on Saturday as his team crumbled at Barnsley, losing 5-0 at Oakwell. Following the game, the manager branded the performance ‘disgraceful’.
“An opportunity to show a different side to us” 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/2p9ku2jcMG
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) November 25, 2025
Luton Bounce Back From Horror Show
A return to home soil last night offered an opportunity to put their horror display in Yorkshire behind them against a team that are also harbouring promotion aspirations. Huddersfield Town provided the opposition, looking to record a third successive win and move into the play-off positions.
It was Luton who took the lead through Jake Richards just before the half hour mark to ease any potential nerves amongst the home support. Still, the Terriers provided a threat and levelled in stunning fashion when Chelsea loanee Leo Castledine thumped a free kick into the top corner in the 64th minute.
Parity lasted just 7 minutes though when the Berkshire-based side regained the lead. It was a comedy of errors from Lee Grant’s side that led to the goal, with both the goalkeeper and the defence failing to clear their lines. Eventually, the ball fell to Jerry Yates, who couldn’t miss.
The result saw Luton rise to seventh, just 1 point behind Bolton Wanderers in sixth.
Wilshere Sets Sights On Bolton
Ironically, it is Bolton who visit Kenilworth Road on Saturday. Although still early in the season, there is a feeling that this is a real six-pointer for the home side.
A win for Wilshere’s side will see them leapfrog the Trotters into the top 6, although the Greater Manchester-based side have played 1 game less. However, Steven Schumacher has transformed his team this season and they head into this game in the midst of a 4-game unbeaten streak.
As such, the Luton boss knows that focus has to immediately shift to that of the impending threat rather than reflecting on last night’s big win. Speaking after the victory, the former Norwich City coach said:
“We have to recover, we have to enjoy this moment. I said to the players, ‘Enjoy this feeling’ because we know what it felt like on Saturday (against Barnsley).
“But then we have to recover, sleep well, eat the right things and look after ourselves. We have to go again against one of the best teams in the league.”
Continuing, the manager praised his players for bouncing back immediately following such a humiliating result:
“My first in the league (at home) and it felt good after the weekend. It was always going to be a tough game against a good team,” he added. “We weren’t good enough at the weekend and I thought the lads responded really well.
“It was a big punch in the face on Saturday and even in the second half today, they equalise and there’s a moment where you’re thinking what might happen.
“But we showed character, and I’m so proud of the players because it is not easy to bounce back when everyone is questioning you.”
