Fans vital for us - McMahon

Caretaker manager John McMahon today called on Shrewsbury Town supporters to play a “massive” part in ensuring three precious points from tomorrow’s crucial home clash with Rotherham.Town begin the post-Gary Peters’ era with a home clash against one of the main contenders for promotion from League Two.

It promises to be an intriguing afternoon on and off the pitch, with plenty of applicants for the permanent vacancy expected at Oteley Road to run the rule over the side they could potentially manage in the future.

But McMahon, in his first match in temporary charge, is desperate for the players to remain focused on earning only their second victory in 13 games as they battle to keep clear waters between themselves and the relegation battle.

And the stand-in boss has urged fans to continue to throw their weighty support behind the team.

“The fans have been absolutely brilliant all season and have turned out in unbelievable numbers both home and away,” said McMahon. “They have got a massive part to play tomorrow and hopefully the lads can put in a good performance for them.”

Victory, coupled with an encouraging performance, would aid McMahon’s chances of being considered for the permanent role.

But he insists that isn’t the top priority tomorrow.

“It’s about the lads doing it for the supporters first, then themselves and if it helps me out along the way then all well and good,” he added. “It’s a massive game and I’m sure there will be people (applicants) in the stand, but we just have to stay focused on what we need to do.

“They are a big strong hard-working team. They have been playing 4-3-3 with three big lads up front and two big centre halves and they have been going well.

“The lads have been encouraged to go and play. My general philosophy is that I want us to go out there and play football and relax.

“First and foremost we have to make sure we are strong and compete because there is no way you can be flimsy. But when the opportunity arises we want to play ourselves.”

Former Liverpool midfielder Jimmy Ryan has recovered from a leg injury sustained in the reserve team victory over Port Vale to leave McMahon, who has pledged to stamp his own authority during his stint in charge, with a fully fit squad.