Shrewsbury boss John Askey poised to swoop for first signing
John Askey is poised to make his first signing at Shrewsbury Town – with centre-half Kieran Kennedy rumoured to be reunited with his former Macclesfield manager.
The Town boss wants to bolster his ranks after losing last season’s loanees, while the futures of other out-of-contract players hang in the balance.
But he is expected to seal Shrewsbury’s first new signing of the summer today, with Kennedy – who made 33 appearances for the Silkmen last season – reported to be in the frame.
After also finalising terms to bring in Australian former goalkeeper John Filan as his assistant, Askey is happy to play the waiting game as he assembles his Montgomery Waters Meadow squad and has reiterated that patience is a virtue for Town fans.
“We’ve been trying to get as many signings as we can,” said the new Town chief. “With finishing the season late it’s ongoing and there’s less time, but we haven’t got to panic because it’s important we get the right players in.
“We’re hoping that someone might sign and there’s another in the pipeline.
“It’s just talking to their agents and finalising things. There are players that need to come in. It’s being patient and not rushing it too much as I’ve found from previously.
“What we don’t want to do is be left with the dregs but there’s plenty of players still out there. We’re in discussions with plenty.”
Askey revealed that a couple of the stars from his Macclesfield National League title-winners are ready to step up to League One.
But, while the boss has his eyes on bringing in one Moss Rose player, he will limit how many players arrive from further down the pyramid.
“There are one or two that I think can make the step up,” he said. “But you have to be careful bringing too many with you.
“Probably our best player last season signed for Salford. There’s a couple more that can make the jump.
“I might bring one in, but you have to be careful.”
Former boss Paul Hurst brought in a number of players that had caught his eye from a lower level.
Askey continued: “It’s important you look everywhere. There’s good players playing in lower levels.
“It’s getting the right balance.
“It’s important we get players from every level. They’ve got to fit into the team. We need people with experience of this level as well.”
