Old friends reunite as Micky Mellon searches for Shrewsbury win

Tomorrow, Mellon's Shrewsbury side welcome Wilson's charges from Chesterfield, writes Lewis Cox.

The Salop boss recalls Wilson fondly and there is no doubt the Scot holds the experienced boss in high regard.

Originally an all-action midfielder, Wilson can count famously taking Barnsley to the Premier League on his CV, along with overseeing a host of other Football League clubs, including Sheffield Wednesday, Bristol City, MK Dons, Hartlepool United, Swindon Town and Sheffield United.

The 56-year-old visiting chief has used every bit of his 1,000-plus managerial outings to expertly guide the Spireites to second after three games so far this term.

"We know it'll be a difficult game," conceded Mellon.

"They're a good side and I know the threats that they have. I know Danny Wilson very well so I know it'll be a tough game.

"They're finding winning form at the minute and they've got a goalscorer. So it's something that we're all trying to get towards."

Mellon was in caretaker charge of Barnsley in late 2013 following the sacking of David Flitcroft before the Yorkshire outfit decided to bring back Wilson following his 15-year Oakwell exodus.

But the new Tykes chief was determined to retain Mellon as his No.2.

The Salop boss added: "Danny is a great fella.

"I've got a lot of time for him, I consider him a good football friend and we'll share a beer or a glass of wine at the end of the game, there's no doubt about it – he's a good guy.

"I was his assistant at Barnsley. He's had a great career and has done more than 1,000 games and anyone who's stayed in football like that you have to applaud.

"He's been in the Premier League and managed in all of the divisions, so he has great experience. Winning games has kept him in football, winning games is what it's all about."

Tomorrow's visitors to Greenhous Meadow are a club that should offer plenty of hope to Town supporters.

For the Spireites also faced a long and difficult battle with relegation last term.

They eventually finished 18th – two places above Salop – but only secured League One status on the penultimate day.

But Wilson has quickly dusted his side down, spent wisely – and bravely, in Ched Evans' case – and is reaping the rewards.

"They've got a goalscorer scoring goals, and that's what it's all about isn't it – putting it in the back of the net and stop it going in yours," said Mellon.

"We need to try and do more of that, we're well aware of that, we're trying to work hard to create more chances and score more goals and be more ruthless.

"After speaking to the players yesterday morning (on Charlton defeat), they're frustrated because they were really enjoying the game.

"We were enjoying lots of possession and control and were growing into the game.

"That's what you've got to do in football (bounce back).

"You've got to take what you can from games, both good and bad, and try to move it forward and that's what we'll continue to try and do."

A show in front of Salop fans at home and chalking up three points will go some way to getting Town up and running.