Shropshire Star

New Shrewsbury boss John Askey is calling on club captain Mat Sadler's expertise

John Askey has tapped into club captain Mat Sadler’s expertise and sees the experienced defender as a vital figure moving forward.

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Sadler, 33, was installed as a crucial go-between the staff and players at Town’s Sundorne Castle training base by the club’s former management team.

The popular Brummie, in his second spell at the Meadow, has made 178 appearances for the club and was revitalised as a centre-half and made captain under Paul Hurst. Askey wasted little time speaking to Sadler to use his knowledge of the club as he settles into his new role.

“What I tend to do is ring one or two of the older players and get a feeling for the football club,” said the boss, whose players are on holiday until the week of June 25. “I don’t think there’s a need to be ringing everybody.

“We’re soon back in training and I’ll see them and we’ll get to know each other pretty quickly.

“Yes I’ve spoken to Mat. I know he’s an important player. He is that link. You need that between the players and the management. I know he’s a decent character as well. He’s got a vital part to play in the team and myself.

“It was important that I did so.

“I hope it went well! You’ll have to ask Mat. He’s a decent lad and an important part.”

With out-of-contract players Craig MacGillivray and Junior Brown having departed Town, and others considering their futures, Askey does have a base of contracted players and existing staff to build on.

Town are in strong positions on the futures of Jon Nolan and Omar Beckles, who have two years remaining on their Town deals. Toto Nsiala still has 12 months to run.

Two figures key to Town’s success last season were physio Chris Skitt and goalkeeping coach Danny Coyne – and Askey is looking forward to working with them. “They’re decent people and football people with the club at heart,” the boss added. “It’s important that they have their say and they have, they’ve been a big help, as everybody’s been at the football club, from top to bottom.

“Whenever I’ve asked for anything it’s been made easy for me.”