Paul Simpson has responded to Shrewsbury Town’s latest away day misery by challenging his players to pass the test of character – or risk changes.

Manager Simpson cut a frustrated figure after Town suffered their third straight League Two defeat at Rochdale yesterday.

Grant Holt’s spectacular strike had given the visitors the lead, but they squandered a winning position by conceding twice in the final 23 minutes.

That saw Shrewsbury slide down to eighth in the table – and  Simpson is demanding improvements ahead of tomorrow’ home game with Bury.

“It’s a test of character and if they are strong enough they will be able to come through it, if not they will fall by the wayside,” said Simpson. 

“I said before the game, we were looking at being the sixth best team in the League after 21 games. 

“We are probably less than that after yesterday depending on results

“This football club does not want to be the eighth or ninth best team in this League. 

“We need to be better than that and if they are not better than that, they will have to be moved on, it’s as simple as that. 

Familiar

“I haven’t come here to just sit and be mid-table. 

“The stadium deserves to be up at the top of this league and maybe even higher. 

“It’s disappointing and unfortunately it is becoming too familiar a story now. 

“We have got ourselves in front with a fantastic goal from Grant Holt and then we didn’t close down as well as we had done for the rest of the game and you get punished for it. 

“If we are talking about being a good side, we have to be able to come to places like Rochdale, and we have to be able to hold it out when you get a 1-0 scoreline. You have to be able to grind it out.”

Simpson must now lift his players for tomorrow’s visit of third-placed Bury (3pm).

“We have gone four games without getting a result and we need to start getting results,” he added. 

“There are still plenty of games to go and we have to start putting our own house in order and it starts on Sunday at home to Bury. 

“We have to make sure we go in the next game at home and do it properly and get a result that gives everybody a lift and a boost.”

By JAMES GARRISON