John Askey: Shrewsbury Town ready for next step up
John Askey believes the set-up at Shrewsbury Town has everything in place for them to take the next step.
The former Macclesfield boss has been mightily impressed with his new surroundings since checking in at Montgomery Waters Meadow from the Silkmen.
Former striker Askey spent 34 years at Moss Rose and the decision to uproot after more than three decades was a big personal move for the National League title-winner.
Paul Hurst’s successor believes the club deserve credit for their current status and facilities. Shrewsbury flirted with a return to the second tier last season and Askey thinks everything is in place for that to be realised.
“It’s lovely. It’s a lovely setting. Everything’s there for a First Division club,” he said.
“There’s no excuses for players (because of the training ground) and that’s the most important thing.
“I think the whole club is a selling point. As soon as you come in, the whole set-up is geared up for First Division football.
“Anybody who comes can only be impressed.
“It’s everything about the club. It’s great. How it’s been done.
“I saw where it’s come from when they were in the Conference. To have got to where they are now is full credit to everyone involved.
“It’s a fantastic ground, a fantastic training ground and a lot of things to be happy about.”
Askey is relishing the ‘challenge’ to build his first Town squad. He is keen to enjoy a successful start at the Meadow and win the supporters over at the start of a new era.
“It’s manic really.” he continued. “The phone doesn’t stop really but that’s what you want.
“I’m enjoying the challenge.
“This is the most important time. We’ve got to get the right players in to give ourselves a chance.
“That’s the challenge for the next few weeks but it’s one I’m enjoying. I love just coming in.
“It’s nice to have a change, I’ve not had a change for 30-odd years. To come in to this sort of environment is great for me.
“It’s a great club and I hope I can do the town justice and get the team winning.
“It’ll be tough because last season will be a hard act to follow – it’s managing expectation but hopefully we can get off to a good start because that will breed confidence and keep the supporters buoyant.”
