Shrewsbury Town second string back on league duty
Shrewsbury Town's reserve team will return to league football this season.
Shrewsbury Town's reserve team will return to league football this season.
Town boss Graham Turner opted for his second string to play only friendlies last season – against the likes of Birmingham and Wolves – rather than embark on a league campaign.
Turner was anxious to avoid his players travelling to non-League grounds used by many clubs to fulfil reserve team fixtures.
But a change in logistics has now prompted Shrewsbury to enter this year’s Central League.
“When we withdrew we were going up and playing at places like Chorley and Radcliffe Borough and, with the greatest of respect, after long journeys I don’t think they were the best of places for young players to be playing,” said Turner.
“We will now be playing on the main grounds (of clubs) and it’s of great benefit to young players who are trying to make progress to be playing on the big pitches.
“We are also more centrally based with other teams who will probably be in our section – the likes of Walsall, Port Vale, Wrexham and Tranmere.
“There is a better quality of fixture, better pitches to play on and less travel and those circumstances appeal.”
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