Micky Mellon thanks Shrews fans for their backing

The Town chief has been heartened by the support since moving to a permanent base in the town in the summer.

And he says the backing drives him on to give the fans a team to be proud of as he prepares to face former club Fleetwood at the Meadow today.

"It's a big thank you from us this calendar year for all their support, which I'm sure will continue," said Mellon. "When we lose, it's tough. But I've had so many people coming up to me in Shrewsbury and so many fantastic phone calls from people.

"People come up to me in the supermarket and some of the encouragement I get is terrific.

"It really fills you with spirit and you want to come in each morning and fight for these people to keep trying to do what we all want, to put together a team that plays good football and wins games for Shrewsbury.

"So it's a big thanks to them and we're working very hard to do that."

Mellon admits he must be patient with his rebuilt team, adding: "I've got to keep a consistency about it and look at the performances.

"I can't go shouting about defeats, I've just got to fix the performances to get the right results."

Meanwhile, Mellon admits Jayson Leutwiler may have to wait for his chance if Mark Halstead maintains his form in goal.

Halstead has been man of the match in two of the three games since replacing Leutwiler when the Swiss shot-stopper suffered a broken nose and facial cuts and bruises at Grimsby.

Halstead initially kept Leutwiler out earlier this season before getting injured himself.

Asked if he could see him doing the same again, Mellon said: "As long as his performances are where they are, then we're very lucky.

"He's doing terrific. He's holding the jersey at the minute which is the way we've always done it and we're blessed to have good goalkeepers."