Luton Town and Stockport County will clash at Wembley Stadium on Sunday in the EFL Trophy final, setting the stage for a fascinating managerial duel between rookie boss Jack Wilshere and seasoned veteran Dave Challinor.
While both clubs share the nickname "the Hatters," their paths to this final and the men in their dugouts could hardly be more different.
Luton's Jack Wilshere, the 34-year-old former England and Arsenal midfielder, is taking charge of just his 39th senior game as a manager. Appointed in October 2025, this marks his first full-time senior managerial role and his maiden cup final.
"It will be a really proud moment for me to lead this club out at Wembley," Wilshere told BBC Three Counties Radio. "To follow in the footsteps of club legends and lead the team out is amazing. It's something to look forward to."
Standing opposite him will be Stockport's Dave Challinor, a 50-year-old manager with 605 games under his belt. His CV boasts five league titles, three play-off final promotions, and an FA Trophy, including recent successes guiding Stockport from the National League to League One.
This final represents a pivotal moment for Luton. After a fairytale rise to the Premier League in 2023, the club suffered consecutive relegations and now sits mid-table in League One. Wilshere, a two-time FA Cup winner as a player, believes this Wembley appearance can be a catalyst.
"This is a big step to bringing the fans together," he said, referencing the expected 30,000-strong travelling support. "We know there's more to do in the league, but this is a chance to build confidence as we push for promotion."
The match kicks off at 15:00 BST, pitting Challinor's proven track record against Wilshere's ambition to secure his first piece of managerial silverware.