Shropshire Star

'It was an easy decision' - Jamal Blackman on his Shrewsbury Town contract extension

Jamal Blackman says it was an easy decision to sign a new contract at Shrewsbury Town until the end of the season. 

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The Town goalkeeper - who has been at the club since late December - only signed a short-term deal until the end of January, when he initially joined Salop. 

He has now agreed a new deal which will see him stay in Shropshire for the remainder of the season as Town seek to achieve League One survival. 

The former Burton man has been a consistent figure in the Shrewsbury team since his arrival. He has started all six of the League One games since he joined just a couple of hours before the match against Wigan. 

And after signing his deal at the Croud Meadow, Blackman confessed it was a straightforward decision to stay at Shrewsbury for the remainder of the campaign. 

"I have worked with Gareth before, and I have really enjoyed it," he said. "Everyone has been really welcoming. 

"It was not a hard decision to make. It was one of those where I wanted to play games, and I think coming here was the right decision. 

"I was a free agent at the time and I wanted to come in for some training just to stay fit. Gareth came here and said come to training and get your fitness back up. 

"There was a slot for me to come in, and luckily enough, I could take it." 

Since Blackman's arrival, he has taken part in two wins, three draws and a loss, as Shrewsbury's form has continued to improve after a difficult opening to the campaign. 

He has been part of a back six which has started the last five League matches - and kept their second clean sheet of the season when they beat Lincoln on Boxing Day. 

And the keeper has been pleased with how he has been able to contribute to the team. 

"Really happy, we have started off well," Blackman said. "I am really enjoying it here, and I know the manager. I am really looking forward to what we can do and helping as much as I can. 

"I have been quite happy (with how he has played). Obviously, the team is doing better, and we have got a couple of wins and a couple of draws - we are building on that.

"Going forward, I want to do as much as I can for the team. To try and still get as fit as possible and play a part in all of the games. 

"In League One, there are so many games, so it is just about enjoying it and keep taking them as they come." 

Town have taken 12 points from their 10 league games since Ainsworth came into the club, and the gap to 20th-placed Northampton is now just six points. 

Shrewsbury make the trip to the capital this weekend to take on Nathan Jones' Charlton side, who are underperforming this season. 

They sit in mid-table but lost 4-2 to Rotherham last time out in a bruising defeat. 

Shrewsbury have happy memories at the Valley. It was the place where their League One survival was confirmed last season after their 1-1 draw.