Shrewsbury Town announce new contract for vital player
Shrewsbury Town have confirmed Jamal Blackman has signed a contract extension at the Croud Meadow until the end of the season.
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The 31-year-old joined Salop before their game at Wigan before Christmas - signing just before kick-off - as Gareth Ainsworth's side drew 2-2.
The former Burton man only signed a short-term deal at Shrewsbury, but the Shropshire Star revealed earlier today that talks were progressing nicely over a new deal.
That extension has now been announced, and he will be part of Gareth Ainsworth's squad for the remainder of the season as they seek to stay in League One.
Blackman has made six appearances for Town since his arrival and has kept one clean sheet - the 1-0 win over Lincoln on Boxing Day.
But since the keeper has come into the starting XI, they have improved vastly, letting in just six goals in their last six outings.
He has played a big part in Salop's improvement in form and consistent back six - which has started the last five outings.
Town signed Dominic Gape on Monday as the former Wycombe midfielder became the second incoming of the January transfer window after Callum Stewart last week.
Shrews head to the capital this weekend to take on Nathan Jones' Charlton side. Ainsworth's team are looking to build on their impressive form which has seen them pick up 12 points in their last 10 matches.
Ainsworth was asked about the potential of Blackman signing a new deal in Shropshire some weeks ago.
And as part of his answer to that the Town boss spoke about how well he thought the keeper had done since he moved to the Croud Meadow.
He said: "I think he's settled the ship down a little bit, and he's definitely one that we'll be looking at exploring his contract options as he comes towards the end of January.
"I think Jamal has made a difference.
"He has. He's nowhere near as good as he can be, which is exciting for me. He can definitely improve, Jamal.
"You know, he's training hard with Brian Jensen. There was sort of no secret that we wanted him to be fitter. Get trimmer, and make sure he's the agile Jamal that I remember a long time ago.
"But his positioning, the way he comes for things, his high line when the defence are pushing high and the balls are coming over the top, I think he's been much needed.
"I'm not saying anything against the other two kids, because I think they've done really well.
"But they were, again, chucked into this relegation situation, which is very difficult sometimes for youngsters to handle. And Jamal, with his experience has come in."