Comment: Liam Dooley gives hope of a Shrewsbury ‘resurgence’ in his latest fan letter

What everyone connected with the football club wants, after a horrendous 12 months, is some progress to be made on and off the pitch as we close in on the start of the campaign and move deeper into the season. 

A new season is a chance to re-set. It is a chance to start again and for Michael Appleton and the club's director of football Micky Moore, it is a chance to build a squad that is capable of competing in League Two. 

It is a clean slate. Of course, within Dooley’s words, there was some emotive language about the way things panned out last year. 

He said: “The disappointment of relegation from League One was felt by every single person connected to Shrewsbury Town - fans, players, staff, the board, and everyone who holds this club close to their heart. That pain is real, and it won’t be ignored.

"We now look forward with determination. We wish Michael Appleton, Micky Moore, and their team every success in the transfer window; their work now sets the stage for our resurgence."

It is fighting talk from the former Sheffield Wednesday man who seems to be expecting a response. 

What was pleasing to see from his letter was that Shrewsbury seem to be continuing to make progress from a financial perspective. It is expected that when the accounts for last season are revealed those losses, which were more than £3 million in 2024, that fell to £1.6 million in 2025, will continue to decrease. 

While Shrews are never going to spend a fortune under the current ownership structure, what they might be able to do if they can continue to reduce operating costs, is reinvest that into the Town squad so they can compete. 

The sad thing from his note was that they do not seem to have made any progress with regard to securing new ownership. 

It was some time ago now when an American businessman pulled out of a deal to buy the club after being in a period of exclusivity for six months. 

So much time was lost and many would have hoped some progress would have been made by now - that does not seem to be the case. 

There were a few reflections on some positive elements to the season too. The club’s women’s team continues to grow and develop. They made it to the FA Cup third round for the first time in their history, and there was also praise for the academy after the under-17s won a national final in Cardiff - something Dooley was there to witness. 

Expectation and anticipation ahead of a new season always rise when pre-season friendlies are announced - just like when new kits are revealed. 

Looks like Town will be revealing their home shirt next week with Shropshire Holmes replacing Morris Property as their front-of-shirt sponsor. 

Town are looking to the future after a difficult period - and their next six weeks will determine how successful it is going to be.