John Askey's non-league knowledge key to Shrewsbury Town appointment, says Brian Caldwell
Chief executive Brian Caldwell says John Askey’s knowledge of players in non-league was key to his appointment as Shrewsbury boss.
Under previous manager Paul Hurst, Town enjoyed huge success plucking signings from teams lower in the football pyramid.
The likes of Jon Nolan, Toto Nsiala, Alex Rodman and James Bolton were all initially spotted by Hurst while he was a manager in non-league.
Askey spent five years at Macclesfield before being appointed Shrewsbury boss earlier this summer.
And with a number of clubs in League One having a larger budget than Town, Caldwell says it’s imperative they continue to unearth lower-league gems.
“John knows the lower leagues which is a big plus,” the chief executive said.
“I think a lot of people would be amazed when they see some of the money clubs in League One are spending on wages.
“Sometimes it’s difficult to compete because players will be attracted by the amount of money they can earn.
“Shrewsbury is a fantastic place to live, we have got fantastic facilities and we have got no debt.
“But if somebody is offering you thousands of pounds more each week, it puts a different complexion on it.
“Players, in the main, tend to go where the best financial package is.
“That is why we had great success with Paul picking players up from League Two and the National League.
“A lot of our players have played in the National League.
“And obviously John coming in, he has a similar knowledge.
“A prime example is Fejiri Okenabirhie, he was very keen to get him in.
“He felt he was one of the better players in the National League last season and he felt it was important we got that one done quickly because there were other League One clubs interested.
“We managed to get that one over the line reasonably quickly which was a big positive.”
Shrewsbury were a whisker away from clinching promotion last season with Town finishing third in League One before then losing the play-off final.
Fans are now hoping they can mount another promotion push. And while Caldwell says that is the aim, he says it’s important to be realistic.
“Paul (Hurst) said before he left it would probably be harder in League One this season than it would have been if we were in the Championship and had been successful in the play-off final,” the Scotsman added. “I think we all have to realise that and manage our own expectations. Where our budget was last season, it was a phenomenal season and we still have most of the team.
“And I’m not being defeatist, there is always potential if you get a bit of form and get a bit of consistency and have a good group – anything can happen.
“With the play-off system, Rotherham finished fourth and got promoted. In the previous two years it was the team that finished sixth who got promoted. For us, I look at and I don’t want to set a target. It’s hard on our budget to consistently be in third place.
“I think we just have to see how it goes and try and support the manager in any way we can.”
