Chris Doig warns Shrewsbury players to prepare for play-off pressure
Assistant boss Chris Doig has told the Shrewsbury Town players they need to be ready for the pressure to be ramped up in the play-offs.
Town have one game remaining of the regular League One season, against relegated MK Dons on Saturday, before heading into the two-legged semi-final – most likely starting away a week on Thursday (May 10). Paul Hurst’s men claimed a point in the 1-1 draw at Blackpool, the final away day of the 46-game league campaign, where they were backed by a fine travelling support of 2,549.
But Doig, who like the players is desperate for the play-offs to get under way, has told them to prepare for the pressure.
“I guess I’m maybe a bit like the players, I just want them to start now,” Doig, again filling in media duties for Hurst, said. “I want the serious side of it to get under way.
“I just said to the lads there, if they thought the Checkatrade (final) was big then the play-offs gets ramped up another 10 per cent, without a shadow of a doubt.
“I don’t look too much into certain things going into it, such as winning games, performances yes.”
Doig confirmed James Bolton joined Toto Nsiala and Ben Godfrey in having a breather from Saturday’s squad. And the assistant confirmed the Town staff are expecting an improvement in performance for the visit of MK Dons.
He The Montgomery Waters Meadow No.2 added: “When the play-offs start it’s a different ball game, on the night, on the day, who deals with the pressure and handles the occasion the best will be the team that goes on to play in the final and win it.
“I’m looking forward to it. We’ve got another game that we’ll be looking for a better performance, but I wish it would start tomorrow!”
