Bernard McNally column: Disappointing Shrewsbury Town start, but a long way to go!

There’s a long way to go. The starting gun has only just gone off for new boss John Askey. There’s still a marathon ahead.

Everybody wants to win at home.

It was a little disheartening to lose the points to Bradford. But as a manager you have to see positives, of which there were plenty in midfield and with winger Alex Gilliead. They showed glimpses.

Shaun Whalley was a thorn in the side for Bradford.

A concern for me is left-back. It is not Omar Beckles’ position. It’s good he’ll have a go but in all reality he wants to be in the centre.

There were positive signs but the result was the negative.

It’s all about decisions and opinions. I was shocked when I looked at the teamsheet that Alex wasn’t starting. I thought ‘wow’.

When he came on he showed what he’s got – ability to attack down the flanks.

With Whalley the other side on the right, I think Alex is going to be a better player for Town than Alex Rodman.

Rodman did ever so well, some wonderful important goals and good luck to him, but Gilliead is younger with bigger and better prospects.

Jon Nolan and Toto Nsiala finally completed their moves to join Paul Hurst at Ipswich yesterday. I know fans will be disappointed, Toto and Nolan were major parts of the side.

But this career is so short. Fans have to realise it. Players want to progress to bigger clubs and it’s furthered their careers. They’ve got to grasp it, if they didn’t it would show a lack of ambition.

It will be a big difference in the Championship for them. There are so many good teams. I wish them all the best.

Luke Waterfall, a player we watched at Wembley this year, signed this week and I think he will add tremendous strength.

John knows what he’s doing, he’s watched Luke and I’m sure he’s Toto’s replacement. Town needed that. Both of the Imps’ centre-halves did well at Wembley.

This afternoon’s 5pm transfer deadline for permanent signings is a strange one, with the loan window staying open until August 31. That’ll help clubs like Shrewsbury.

Last season’s team has been disbanded. They’re starting from fresh. The loan market gives you a little lifeline. With the Nolan and Nsiala money coming in they are able to spend if the decent players are available.

He knows from Macclesfield about players like Oliver Norburn at Tranmere and others.

There are a lot of midfielders, especially after Greg Docherty’s loan signing yesterday, and I was impressed with the new lads.

Josh Laurent caught my eye. He hit the bar and was unlucky.

It may take John a week or two to get a side together he wants. They have to bounce back at Charlton, you don’t really want two defeats. Then you’re points behind straight away.

Hopefully the luck that evaded Town against Bradford can go for them.