Fitness levels are key to Shrewsbury's charge, says Alex Rodman

The in-form winger has two goals in his last two league games and has put his consistent form recently down to Town’s flying fitness levels.

Boss Paul Hurst made it no secret that he wanted the fittest team in League One this season.

His side have netted numerous late winners and equalisers after often out-running opposition.

Physio Chris Skitt ran an intense training regime in Town’s pre-season trip to Portugal and plays a crucial part behind the scenes in maintaining the required fitness levels.

“Possibly this is my most consistent season,” said the 31-year-old, who has struck eight times in 43 games this term.

“But I think it’s all down to the fitness levels really.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been as fit as I have been this season. I put that down to the big pre-season regime and Skitty’s training – the levels of fitness work in the gym and on the pitch and Doigy’s (assistant Chris Doig) relentless running.

“For me to achieve the consistency is down to the fitness levels and I think that’s why we’re up there as a team.”

Rodman, who dedicated Saturday’s goal against Walsall to his ill grandfather, continued: “We’ve been consistent all season and managed to limit our blips and any kind of wobbles we’ve potentially had we’ve kept them to a minimum.

“That’s been key to where we are.”

The former Tamworth man struck first before creating Abu Ogogo’s late strike to keep Shrewsbury second in the League One table.

But Rodman would sacrifice any further goals or assists for high-flying Town to realise their promotion dreams.

“Assists are as good as goals if they’re like that at Bristol!” Rodman smiled, when referencing his solo run to create Toto Nsiala’s late winner at Bristol Rovers.

“It was nice to get that one for Abs and put it on a plate for him.

“But it doesn’t matter at this stage of the season. I’d take no more goals and assists if we get three points every game. Every lad in the changing room would say that.

“It doesn’t matter how they come now. The points are the most important thing.

“He (Paul Hurst) demanded and expected more from me, which is nice and positive. Hopefully I’ve been able to repay that.”