Luton Town

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.

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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.

"Last time I checked, looking at the table, they [Watford] are doing okay - where should they be?

"Make it make sense to me. Watford Football Club, what is going on there?"

It's been a week for managerial sackings, and the 72+ team have got plenty to talk about, from Matt Bloomfield's departure from Luton Town to another change on Watford's managerial wheel of misfortune.

What of Birmingham chairman Tom Wagner venturing into the away end, you ask? Well, they've got that covered too.

Listen to the latest episode of the 72+ podcast and more on BBC Sounds.

Image source, Rex Features

Luton Town are looking for a new boss after sacking Matt Bloomfield with the Hatters in 11th place in League One.

The former Colchester and Wycombe head coach won 12 of his 33 games in charge after being appointed in January.

We asked Luton fans for their thoughts on the decision to part company with Bloomfield.

We had a big response, so thanks for getting in touch, and here are some of those views.

Lain - Feel a bit sorry for Matt because I think he genuinely thought he could save us last season, then get us promoted this. Sadly for Matt, there is so much pressure linked with Luton, 10 years of success and promotions, I think that has taken its toll. My choice, in an ideal world, would be Liam Rosenior, but I doubt we could attract him - especially where he is now [at Strasbourg].

LutonSteve - He was the wrong signing. Not to complain about the man's skills but his ethos and way of football doesn't suit the squad. The role is starting to become a bit of a poisoned chalice as the board are withholding all the parachute payments to fund the new stadium, so you are left with a lame squad of players who have seen the big time and want to get there again with Luton or not.

Simon - Inevitable sadly. Fans had turned, performance levels dire, no apparent plan, confidence draining. Nice guy but wrong man for the job. Club should have pushed the boat out for Steve Cooper last time and we'd still be in the Championship. This one is on the board.

Timmy - Right decision. Nice fella Matt, but did not know his best team or what formation he wanted to play. Club needs to separate football side from the new stadium side. Give the job to Luton legend Danny Hylton, currently coaching with Charlton.

Cameron - Players have definitely not performed, but some of his starting 11 choices and tactics were questionable. Waited too long with Rob Edwards so probably the right decision.

James - It is a shame as he is a promising young manager, but results speak for themselves and Luton, while probably having a target on their backs, have underperformed. I would suggest the next manager needs to be someone with a bit more experience. It may be a bit of a left-field choice but I think Paul Lambert would be a good option.

SuzyQ - Maybe could have held on for a couple more games, but it was toxic on Saturday. I hope the board take a good look at the atmosphere in the club and get someone in who is not a tried and trusted failure. We have been very patient. Remember Gary Sweet saved this club for us. He is just as passionate as we are.

Matt - Abandoned a style of play, no left-back in squad and reverted to a back four after peer pressure. Not a strong manager with no stomach to face up to angry fans wanting answers. Not his fault, we should have got experience in when Edwards left. Weak board running the team and it's showing. Redeem yourselves and get quality, experienced gaffer in, no matter the cost.

Tom - Results and performances have not been good enough. I feel this is the right time as we are always leaving it too late, so we have learned from the Premier League and Championship fiascos.

Niall - The appointment was wrong from the beginning, not just the lack of experience but considering the options that were available at the time. Need to avoid Luke Williams, Russell Martin or Wayne Rooney and pick someone available with the correct mentality to succeed (Steve Bruce, David Wagner, Steve Evans etc). Even being linked with Sean Dyche, but not sure any fans would be keen on his style of play.

Image source, Rex Features

Luton Town have sacked manager Matt Bloomfield with the club 11th in League One.

The former Colchester and Wycombe boss was only appointed in January but was unable to save them from relegation out of the Championship and results this season have been poor.

So, is this the right decision and who should replace him at Kenilworth Road?

Luton fans can send us your views here and check back later to see some of the responses.