Luton Outlaws - The Avenue of Evil

Pete O Rourke

Posted by Zobra The Greek <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Zobra+The+Greek' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 12:22:14

Saying JW is close to agreeing a deal

Link: https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-jack-wilshere-close-to-agreeing-luton-town-manager-deal/

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by Ampthill Mob <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Ampthill+Mob' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 14:37:24, in reply to "Pete O Rourke"

So we've sacked one inexperienced manager to replace him with another inexperienced manager.

Brilliant.

We plant more trees than you

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by MVhatter <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=MVhatter' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 14:48:10, in reply to "Re: Pete O Rourke"

I suspect whoever we employ, some fans will express disappointment. Game of opinions innit.
If it is Wilshere he will definitely need an experienced head alongside him.

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by Notorious D <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Notorious+D' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 14:14:45, in reply to "Pete O Rourke"

Undoubtedly a huge risk; however, the upside is significant.

He will monumentally improving our pull in the transfer market. His name in football carries a similar allure to Lampard, Rooney etc. That will naturally attract top talent.

He will also have extensive contacts at Arsenal and other clubs, who will be more willing to loan us their most promising talents. It’s an area the club hasn’t utilised to its advantage at all so far. Our proximity to London clubs, is a big positive, which we have effectively been sleeping on. This will open new doors for us.

The pull of playing for Wilshire vs Bloomfield is liking to a parallel universe. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see a miraculous recovery for some of the perennial injury prone players, like Jones, Brown, Al Hamadi etc.

The downside is his tender age and lack of coaching/management experience. He will be learning on the job. If he doesn’t hit the ground running, will he have the nous/strength of character to turn it around?! Does he have the intelligence/tactical wisdom to succeed?!

For me, the most pivotal factor will be his back room staff. If he brings in a highly experienced number 2, like a Bould, then it could be a huge success. I also hope he clears the existing deadwood out like Foley, Pilkington etc and brings in his own men, full of high level expertise.

Ultimately, he could turn out to be our Lampard, or conversely, our Rooney!

It’s going to be an interesting ride, that’s for sure!!

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by Music Critic <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Music+Critic' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 16:10:00, in reply to "Re: Pete O Rourke"

It could go either way. I have a feeling that there won't be much middle ground if it is Wilshere. We could be top 6 Champo in 2 or 3 years or bottom half L2

I'll give the club credit that this would, at least, be an interesting appt. If it goes wrong, though, someone will have to be held to account. A big gamble but an understandable one. Trouble is if it goes wrong, credit has expired and, even if we think it is an understandable appt, the heat will be on if it goes pear-shaped.

But, if we can't afford to bring in genuine experience combined with quality, I'd rather we go down this road, rather than a journeyman manager who has been booting around Leagues 1 and 2 forever

So, a bold move from the club. They deserve credit for that boldness if it is Wilshere. But, fucking hell, it could go horribly wrong as well as brilliantly right. Rolling the dice

Re: Pete O Rourke

Agreed. That’s why his back room staff is pivotal. If he brings an experienced number 2 (Bould) and some good coaches with expertise, it could work out wonders.

Undoubtedly, it will open up new doors for us, from a recruitment perspective. I can imagine clubs trusting their top talent with Wilshire and players being excited to play for him, as opposed to Bloomfield. I hope the club back him fully and don’t insist on bargain basement hunting.

It could either go the way of Lampard at Coventry or of Rooney!

Re: Pete O Rourke

I hope the club back him fully and don’t insist on bargain basement hunting.

That is a key point. Back him if you're going to hire him. The club can't have it both ways now. Back the new guy, even unproven, or take the flak if it all goes wrong. If they back him and he fucks it up, maybe the club will be given (yet) another chance to prove they actually know what they're doing... and weren't reliant on N Jones, after all

Which is it, 2020?

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by Sandgrounder <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Sandgrounder' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 14:23:32, in reply to "Re: Pete O Rourke"

Personally I’d rather his assistant manager actually had some managerial experience himself, which Bould doesn't. It would be a Nathan Jones type appointment, though NJ had a lot more
coaching experience than Wilshere when he was appointed. Will obviously support him whatever but think we are best seeing this as a long term project and managing expectations accordingly

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by LTFC39 <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=LTFC39' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 17:46:25, in reply to "Re: Pete O Rourke"

But he has managed.

Re: Pete O Rourke

Not necessarily sure the assistant has to have managed, if they have elite level experience of working with the best managers, for an extensive time, aka Bould.

The back room staff is equally pivotal. I sincerely hope he’s allowed to refresh the whole set up and that Sweet doesn’t try to insist that the current crop have to stay. If he can bring in top coaches, you’re more likely to see an uptick in the level of performances.

Mentally, the players will have an extra spring in their step playing for a Wilshire, considering his pedigree.

The overall package of the recruits that come with Wilshire is more instrumental to me, than Wilshire himself.

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by Since57 <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Since57' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 14:21:50, in reply to "Re: Pete O Rourke"

Good post

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by Selfishshellfish <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Selfishshellfish' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 13:31:36, in reply to "Pete O Rourke"

Bit concerned about his age but he has played at the highest level and been coached by top level managers so could bring an element different from your usual lower league player come managers

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by NorthLondonHatter <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=NorthLondonHatter' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 12:55:01, in reply to "Pete O Rourke"

Good - yes would rather GON or Dyce but probably out of reach

Rather him than Wellens who would be underwhelming

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by SAHB <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=SAHB' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 12:45:56, in reply to "Pete O Rourke"

I hope this is wrong.
It smacks of just going for someone well known to shut the fans up.

We need someone with some experience not someone who has to learn on the job.

Brady would be ideal I reckon, but who ever gets the job I wish them good luck.

The journey leads you to the answers..

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by Zobra The Greek <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Zobra+The+Greek' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 12:53:59, in reply to "Re: Pete O Rourke"

I liked the idea of Brady.
But feel like JW will command instant respect and excitement amongst the players.
Maybe it’ll be a disaster, but NJ had only had 3 years coaching experience when we hired him, I believe?

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by SAHB <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=SAHB' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 12:55:53, in reply to "Re: Pete O Rourke"

Yes Jones was a gamble that paid off.

There have been plenty in football that haven't.

The journey leads you to the answers..

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by Honey Badger <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Honey+Badger' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 14:08:54, in reply to "Re: Pete O Rourke"

Not sure it was a gamble, I know for a fact when NJ had his interview the board sat in disbelief at the way he came across, they practically gave him the job instantly and no one else stood a chance.

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by HH <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=HH' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 14:10:30, in reply to "Re: Pete O Rourke"

Interesting to hear.

Considering they only interviewed MB for the role in Jan, I wonder if he similarly blew them away?

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by LTFC39 <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=LTFC39' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 12:36:11, in reply to "Pete O Rourke"

Big big risk.

But I’m going to out on a limb that he is the one that excites me the most longer term. I said the opposite on here a week ago!

I wonder how many people will say they back it now and will come back in 12 months time if it hasn’t worked out and say: “I told you so. We should’ve gone with someone more experienced.”

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by TheDunstableWindsock <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=TheDunstableWindsock' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 15:06:00, in reply to "Re: Pete O Rourke"

But apart from Lennie Lawrence, BFJ, and John Still when have we ever gone for a manager with experience?

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by Nev the bear <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Nev+the+bear' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 15:17:43, in reply to "Re: Pete O Rourke"

Alec stock

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by Cuba <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Cuba' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 13:44:11, in reply to "Re: Pete O Rourke"

If he does well he won’t be here long.

Win win in that scenario.

Success and ££££

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by MG <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=MG' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 12:53:18, in reply to "Re: Pete O Rourke"

I'll back him now if he's the man. It's the kind of appointment I like, while I think we could do with a Dyche type right now it's brilliant to be giving someone a chance like this.

It's risky, but if there could be a "Luton Way" then this is the kind of thing I would want to be a part of it.

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by Ken to power <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Ken+to+power' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 12:51:09, in reply to "Re: Pete O Rourke"

Tried "up and coming", need someone to sort the mess out first.

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by HH <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=HH' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 12:40:12, in reply to "Re: Pete O Rourke"

Agreed.

If we can't get any Rohl, Warner or Moore I would be inclined to go with Wilshere over a Wellens or Williams.

Re: Pete O Rourke

Of course it’s a risk.

But Wellens felt like the most uninspiring choice in our history.
He was a disaster at his previous two clubs.

JW will instantly have the respect of the players, and always seems to have quite a tough mentality.

I’m excited by it.

I don’t think anyone is saying he’ll definitely be a success, but personally I’d prefer him to the other two W’s mentioned.

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by Bootin <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Bootin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 16:49:08, in reply to "Re: Pete O Rourke"

Plus 1.

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by KennyC <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=KennyC' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 12:32:49, in reply to "Pete O Rourke"

Great

looking forward to trips to Bromley, Salford and Accrington F*CKING Stanley next season

FFS

Re: Pete O Rourke

That’s the spirit

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by Elboggo <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Elboggo' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 12:36:28, in reply to "Re: Pete O Rourke"

Experience manager required

Re: Pete O Rourke

Posted by KennyC <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=KennyC' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/10/2025, 12:36:18, in reply to "Re: Pete O Rourke"

Sorry

Given his injury record, he will be the perfect fit for this club

Thanks

Re: Pete O Rourke

I for one would welcome his appointment. Bring it on.

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