Michael Appleton explains key Shrewsbury set piece focus ahead of new campaign

One of their biggest issues last season was their lack of effectiveness from set pieces both attacking and defending. 

According to data from Who Scored of the 79 goals they conceded last season 20 were from set pieces - with only Bolton, Bristol Rovers and Peterborough conceding more. 

Shrews have made a real statement in the market so far this summer securing the services of three big and physical central defenders. 

Sam Stubbs, Will Boyle and Tom Anderson have all signed two-year contracts in Shropshire. 

And Appleton says part of the reason for bringing in that trio was to help Salop be more solid and have more of a defensive presence in the box.  

“They are big lads,” the head coach, who penned a two-year deal himself before the end of last season, said. “We want to have a presence in both boxes this year. 

“That is not just set plays. I touched on it when I was talking to some of the supporters and the sponsors. 

“I think when balls are coming into the box, we want to be more competitive in our own box, but when we are in the opposition box we want to be more aggressive as well. 

“If the delivery is very good from the opposition and your goalkeeper is suffering a little bit with confidence, there's so many factors that can make it hard to control.”

Salop kick start their pre-season campaign next week with a trip to Stoke City on Wednesday. They will play at their Clayton Wood training ground where they play in a behind-closed-doors friendly.