Winning start for McMahon

Caretaker manager John McMahon today set about over-seeing Shrewsbury Town life after Gary Peters - but stopped short of staking his claim for the permanent position.McMahon has been temporarily promoted from No 2 to the top job at Oteley Road after Peters’ departure yesterday afternoon.

It is likely he will be in charge for the forthcoming home double header against Rotherham and Darlington on Saturday and next Tuesday, and insists it is that rather than his own long-term future which is occupying his thoughts.

Asked whether he would be interested in taking the job permanently, McMahon said: “I think that would be up to the chairman and the board of directors.

“All myself, Stuart (Delaney, first team coach) and Joe (Hinnigan, physio) are concentrating on is the right thing for the club and that’s preparing the players for two very important and tough games coming up.

“Yesterday was a very tough day and it’s something that we weren’t really expecting.

“The performances and the results are not what they should have been, but it’s always a shock and sad to see a manager go.

“But we have to move on and it’s up to us to lift the players and get them prepared for the weekend. We will work hard and there will be no shortage of commitment and effort from anyone.

“We owe it to Gary, the fans and the chairman to produce the performance and results that we should.”

McMahon was due to take training this morning before the squad headed for a paintballing bonding exercise.

McMahon and Delaney will then head to the north-east to watch Darlington in action against Chester.

And they will do so boosted by a 2-1 reserve team victory over Port Vale last night when Marc Pugh, left out of the squad for the trip to Barnet, staked his claim with a brace.

“It was a good performance and it was nice to get a win for the club,” said McMahon. “It’s good to get those at youth team level, reserve team level or, most importantly, first team-level, just to get that back winning mentality back.”