Defender Neil Ashton has declared his desire to force his way into Shrewsbury Town manager Paul Simpson’s plans for next season.The left-footed ace, who was former manager Gary Peters’ first signing, has spent most of this season on loan at Macclesfield.
It is a very different Town to which he hopes to return for pre-season training, with Simpson since having replaced Peters in the hotseat.
But the 22-year-old is on the Silkmen’s summer shopping list and admits that would be an option if he is considered surplus to requirements at Oteley Road.
“It’s been good at Macclesfield,” said Ashton. “I have been playing games which is what I have wanted but it’s been a bit strange because there has been a change of managers at both clubs since I went on loan to Macclesfield (Keith Alexander replacing Ian Brightwell at Moss Rose).
“The main reason I left Shrewsbury was that I wasn’t playing enough games. I have been at Shrewsbury for three-and-a-half-years so the club is close to my heart.
“I came back to Shrewsbury for some end-of-season tests and I met the manager and had a chat with him.
“Macclesfield have declared their interest in myself and the gaffer at Shrewsbury has said I am welcome back when pre-season starts.
“If Macclesfield want me to go back, they will have to come up with something and that’s for the clubs to decide.
“I am a Shrewsbury player as far as I am concerned, and I will be going back to Shrewsbury come July.
“But if Shrewsbury decide they will allow me to go then I have to pursue other options, Macclesfield being one of them.”
Meanwhile, Ashton is convinced Town can start heading in the right direction once again next season.
The former Tranmere man believes the set-up at Oteley Road is geared towards a club playing at a higher level and expects Simpson to be looking in that direction as quickly as possible.
“It didn’t really work out this season but hopefully the club can push on next season,” he said.
“The club is on the up and I’m sure the new manager hasn’t come in to be fighting for mid-table or to avoid relegation.”
By James Garrison
2 Comments
he was our best player in 2006/7 and we should have him back
i dont think he was, Langmead, Herd and Shearer were far better, as was davies, and arguabley leo in the latter part of the season…
we dont need him