Luton Town

Luton Town midfielder Jordan Clark is "optimistic for the future" under Jack Wilshere despite a home defeat by Mansfield in the new manager's first game in charge.

The former Arsenal, West Ham, Bournemouth and England player has the task of turning The Hatters' fortunes around following relegation in the last two seasons.

"He's brought a really good feel. He's just got that aura," Clark told BBC Three Counties Radio

"He's raised everyone's level a bit more, the intensity in training has been really high and for the first 25-30 minutes of the first half, you could see the little things he's worked on, just trying to get everyone to simplify the game a little bit.

"It's going to take time, you can't click your fingers and expect to go out there and win four or five nil.

"The gaffer can tap into his playing experiences and when he says things, you think if he can do it at his level, there's no reason not to do it at this level.

"And he's got Powelly [assistant boss Chris Powell], who's been here there and everywhere and got so much experience. When he speaks, you listen."

Luton had the chance to take the lead against Mansfield when Nahki Wells had a penalty saved and eventually went down 2-0.

"I've been at this club a few years now and when we've got on top we've always scored. At any level that's so important, but especially in the lower leagues because teams can sit back and put 10 or 11 bodies behind the ball," Clark added.

Wilshere has a full week of training to prepare for Luton's next game, away to Northampton Town on Saturday.

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.