Comment: Mat Sadler call is bold but John Askey backs himself

One talking point has dominated for Shrewsbury Town supporters this week as Town’s new boss left out Mat Sadler for games against Charlton and Burton.

The Shrewsbury chief insisted the decision to first drop captain Sadler, such a bedrock of the club’s successful 18 months, was purely for tactical reasons.

Askey then hinted the 33-year-old was left out for the subsequent game, a Carabao Cup first-round exit to Burton, in the hunt for consistency.

Sadler’s replacement was new signing Luke Waterfall, who also took the captain’s armband and gave away the penalty that proved Burton’s winner.

The decision to leave Sadler out has been greeted with confused and concerned reactions by the Town fanbase. Supporters are not clear as to why their most consistent defender has been omitted, particularly as he brings so much calm, organisation and reliability.

Askey is very confident in the decisions he has made and clearly believes Waterfall and Omar Beckles have the potential to be a sound partnership, though the boss reminded supporters he is impressed with Sadler’s attitude and performance in training each day.

It is undoubtedly a bold call. If results continue as they are – say another defeat to add to the three that have opened this season – then leaving Sadler out will become more a concern.

Naming the ex-Birmingham stopper as captain a day before the season curtain-raiser, where he played well, and subsequently leaving him out appears odd timing.

But at this early stage of a new regime Askey must be allowed to put his own stamp on how he sees things, even if it is against the norm.

He makes the decisions that he will live by at Montgomery Waters Meadow.

After two defeats without the regular captain, it will be fascinating to see if Askey opts to include the defender against Blackpool today in what already feels like a crucial game.

An injury to right-back James Bolton, and possible reshuffle of centre-half Beckles, may be a free pass to include Sadler again – for the first time alongside new-boy Waterfall.

It feels like there could be potential for a solid pairing in those two experienced defenders. But if he is left out again then supporters’ questions will get louder.

Town’s three defeats under Askey have all been by the odd goal and in each of the fixtures there has been periods of real positivity.

Some of Askey’s quality additions have already shown enough promise to have Town fans believing there is potential in the squad.

Alex Gilliead and Greg Docherty have stood out so far as two players who can shine for Salop this season.

Record buy Ollie Norburn has been unlucky, twice coming off injured in his first two games when Shrewsbury have been competitive.

Askey will hope that, when Anthony Grant is fit to start as a defensive midfielder, supporters can see the best of exciting pair Docherty and Norburn.

Any review of Town’s season so far is not complete without a nod to the superb safe standing.

The pioneering move enjoyed a fine opening-day launch against Bradford on August 4. It was packed, loud, colourful, atmospheric and looked organised.

The launch would always be a hit but any fears of safe standing being a one-off success were curtailed in the otherwise low-profile tie with Burton. Just 2,700 at the Meadow, with the West Stand closed, and the atmosphere was electric from start to finish.