Bernard McNally column: Shrewsbury fans can play a key part
How great it was to have more than 800 Shrewsbury fans at the City Ground on Tuesday for the League Cup tie against Nottingham Forest – the first ever meeting between the two sides.
It’s an old saying but the 12th player is the fans. When you see that turnout in torrential rain, that will really boost the players to know that the fans are behind them and wanting to encourage them.
I think the fans have seen this is a new side and it’s great that there is optimism from the fans. To take more on Saturday would be fantastic. It does give you a great boost when you see a big crowd has travelled to the game.
Wimbledon are a tough side but Town will be confident.
I know it sounds boring the old adage that you start with a point but my old boss Bobby Gould said the best teams would win 1-0.
Paul is a clever manager and he won’t go there with any stone unturned.
I’m optimistic. I think this side can do better and hopefully won’t be scrapping for points at the end of the season.
When you’re putting together a side, as Paul has done, to try to knit them together is a difficult thing.
I was dubious about what I was going to see against Northampton, but I must admit that all the players he has brought in acquitted themselves really well. It seems that if Paul has got a group of players that when things aren’t quite going their way, it looks as if he has got enough strength in depth sitting on the bench that can come on and get the three points.
The lad up front Carlton Morris looks very strong, powerful and physical. I thought he led the line very well.
I was pleased with Alex Rodman, he looked very much more on the ball – no pun intended – and created things. He looked dynamic.
And I saw glimpses from Jon Nolan where you think ‘yes, this lad can play’.
In the 12 minutes he played, I thought Arthur Gnahoua picked the ball up, brought it inside, sprayed it around and worked well with Lenell John-Lewis.
I thought ‘there’s a prospect here’. I think he could be a player that is going to mature into something a little bit special.
Obviously it was only a small period of time, but he now needs to bide his time and get in the side.
They can hold their heads up losing 2-1 away to a Championship side in midweek but I’m sure Paul and the management team will be saying three points is the main thing for us.
I’m encouraged by the start. Let’s hope it’s going to be a good season for Shrewsbury Town fans.
