Shaun Whalley: Calmness was key to Shrewsbury Town survival
Everybody knew the significance of Saturday's game against Southend but playing down the importance is the recipe for success, according to Shaun Whalley.
The winger is no stranger to late drama – he spent two of his three seasons with Southport keeping the Sandgrounders away from the Conference drop, while they flirted with the play-offs in the other.
A move to Luton meant he was part of their 2014 Conference-winning squad, but with the winning margin a 19-point one, Whalley was loaned out to help AFC Telford United over the line, where he played a key part in their Conference North crown.
Then, in his debut League Two campaign, the Hatters finished just three points from a play-off spot.
Nervy finales to the season are nothing new to the 29-year-old Liverpudlian, and it is experience like his that could play a crucial part in helping Shrews over the line.
And what has the popular character learned over the years? To keep things normal.
"It hasn't really changed a lot under them (Paul Hurst and Chris Doig) recently, it's been the same," said Whalley. "The lads knew we needed to kick on and get a couple more results to be safe.
"It's definitely not their style to put unnecessary pressure on and I don't think you get the best out of people by doing that.
"It's good to have a relaxed atmosphere, but also a motivated one at the same time. That is how I would describe the dressing room. We all want the same thing, we're all pulling in the same direction to get us safe and we have done for weeks."
The campaign has been Whalley's busiest since his time with Southport, where he made 102 appearances in three seasons. And since recovering from a December injury setback, he has been heavily involved with Town's turn of form.
Whalley has made a crucial impression in recent weeks.
His cross was nodded home by Stefan Payne for the equaliser against Walsall and his free-kick was powered in by Mat Sadler to level at Northampton – where he was a constant menace.
Most telling of all it was Whalley's corner that Junior Brown headed in for Saturday's winner.
"I didn't go into the game against Southend thinking it could be over (at the end)," he added. "It was just another game and then see how the others got afterwards.
"I feel like I've played well all season to be honest, obviously I've had a couple of games where I haven't been at my best but different games bring out different things.
"I don't mind whether it's fighting to stay up or mid-table doing nothing, I love playing football and love every game I'm involved in."
