Jack Wilshere: Luton Town must be 'ready to do the ugly things' as Mansfield Town stand in way of promotion push
Promotion hopeful Luton Town know they need to throw everything at their final four League One fixtures, which start with Mansfield Town on Saturday.
Jack Wilshere will be hoping for even more success as Hatters boss this season after his side lifted the Vertu Trophy on Sunday – the first piece of silverware in his managerial career.
Luton Town beat Stockport County 3-1 in the final at Wembley and then returned to League One action four days later to add another important three points to their tally. Hatters are fighting hard to earn a spot in the promotion play-offs and they are unbeaten in their last seven games. Their latest victory came courtesy of a dramatic winner against Northampton Town scored by skipper Kal Naismith, which also resulted in Cobblers’ relegation.
Meanwhile, sixth-placed Stevenage lost their most recent clash with Bolton, allowing Luton to close the gap on them while holding a superior goal difference. Wilshere is well aware his side need to continue to win to be in with a chance of making it into the play-offs, but they are also relying on Stevenage to stumble again between now and the end of the season.
The former Arsenal and England star stressed his side are focusing on their ‘next-game mentality’, as they take each match as it comes. Luton will make the trip to the One Call Stadium this weekend in search of more crucial points.
Speaking to BBC Sport after Hatters’ win over the now relegated Northampton Town, Wilshere looked ahead to Saturday’s clash with Stags.
“Mansfield away – different type of game but also similar in some ways with the way they play and the type of team they are. But away from home, we know in this league you have to make sure you’re ready to do the ugly things and earn the right to get the ball. We have to use the ball a lot better than we did at times tonight. We were better in the second half but we will look at that and try to get ready.”
Wilshere also echoed a similar sentiment when speaking to club media, stressing that his side will ‘have to give everything’ against Stags to add another win to their tally.
Last time out between these two sides, Stags enjoyed a 2-0 win at Kenilworth Road, with goals scored by Rhys Oates and Tyler Roberts either side of half-time.