Shropshire Star

Brian Caldwell promises backing for new Shrewsbury Town boss John Askey

Chief executive Brian Caldwell has stressed Shrewsbury will back John Askey to the hilt as a new era begins at Montgomery Waters Meadow.

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Town supremo Caldwell was delighted to have secured his manager of choice as Town took barely 48 hours to agree terms with Askey’s former employers Macclesfield Town.

Askey was unveiled as Paul Hurst’s replacement yesterday and is keen to take the chance of managing at the highest level yet after five years at Moss Rose.

“This is a new beginning. We needed to move on. Sunday was disappointing,” Caldwell said. “But (Hurst leaving) was more disappointing the way it was handled.

“We need to move on as a club. A new era and beginning. And hopefully John can progress the club and continue the good work from last season.”

The chief executive insists Town are determined to support Askey in any way he requires after the Stoke-born former Macclesfield hitman penned a three-year Town deal.

“We’ll not put any pressure on John. We’ll let him manage the budget, manage the football club how he wants,” continued Caldwell.

“As we always have, we’ll let the manager get on with it. They can pick the players and spend the money as they wish to.

“We will support them in any way we possibly can, whether that’s through transfer fees, finance, or facilities as well.”

The Scot continued: “I’m very impressed. There was certainly a willingness and a keenness to come to Shrewsbury Town.

“It’s not just our league position from last season and our facilities but he knew about the club.

“Sometimes it’s hard for somebody who has been there for the length of time, he has to sever that connection with Macclesfield Town.

“He lives there as well, it’s a difficult one, but there was a willingness straight away that this was a great opportunity for him.

“He could see what we can hopefully support him with.”