Source of image: Shutterstock/Getty Images. By Ben Ashton of BBC Sport England and Jay Freeman of BBC Sport, North West. 11 aprilie 2026. Il y a 235 commentaires. Luton Town and Stockport County share the nickname “Hatters,” but that’s likely where their similarities end as EFL Trophy finalists. The managers leading their teams onto the Wembley pitch on Sunday (kick-off 20:00 BST) offer stark contrasts. Luton manager Jack Wilshere is in his first full-time senior managerial role since departing his Arsenal under-20 coaching position in October 2021 and has no experience managing in a final or winning a trophy. Stockport’s Dave Challinor, by contrast, brings a wealth of success from his 21-year coaching career, including five titles, three play-off final promotions, and an FA Trophy. Challinor, 44, most recently guided Stockport to the League Two title in 2023-24, building on their National League win in 2022-23. He faces 34-year-old former England international Wilshere, who managed two interim games at Norwich last season before joining Luton at Kenilworth Road in October 2024. Sunday’s matchup pits an experienced veteran against an eager newcomer. A proud moment – Wilshere. Luton’s Wilshere told BBC Three Counties Radio: “Leading this club out at Wembley will be a really proud moment for me, as it’s a big club that’s had a tough few years. Obviously, they were at Wembley a couple of years ago [in the Championship play-off final], and I think before that it was 2009 with Mick Harford in this competition. To follow someone like that and lead the team out is amazing—it’s something to look forward to.” In 2012, Luton also competed at Wembley, where they lost the National League play-off final to York City. Their journey since that setback has been truly remarkable. Following an impressive rise through the leagues that ended with promotion to the Premier League in May 2023, Luton endured consecutive relegations and now sit 19th in League One, just three points from the play-off places. However, Wilshere—who claimed FA Cups in 2014 and 2015 as an Arsenal player—believes the EFL Trophy final offers a chance to boost confidence in their bid for a swift return to the Championship. “It’s a step because we know there’s more to do, with a large chunk of the season left and our league ambitions intact,” he said. “This is still a work in progress, but it’s a major step toward uniting the fans.”
