Shrewsbury Town comment: Judge John Askey when all of his options are available

As the fifth league game approaches today, with Town still searching for a first win, the jury is still out.

Town have been goal-shy so far. If a record similar to one goal every four games continues this season then Askey’s men won’t achieve anything higher than the bottom four – even with a solid defence.

But mitigating circumstances must be considered. And these are the reasons why supporters should not have made up their mind on this Town squad.

Shrews have four centre-forwards in the building and three of those are almost all totally unused.

They are contending with an untimely injury to Aaron Amadi-Holloway, a minimal pre-season meaning lack of fitness for Lee Angol and Fejiri Okenabirhie not fitting into a lone forward system.

The trio all have promise and their own strengths – for example Amadi-Holloway can be a physical nightmare for defenders on his day. They can all play a significant part this season and beyond.

It is worth remembering that Town centre-forwards were not prolific last season. How many 20-goal strikers have been in the building in the last decade? They are gold like dust.

They have not yet had the chance to showcase their talents but should soon be starting. It far too early to say ‘Town need another striker’ when three have not yet had a crack.

Askey is not bringing another attacker in on loan before the August 31 deadline (barring injuries) and is confident with what he has in his ranks. It is time to get behind them.

Meanwhile Lenell John-Lewis has started three games in a row and there is no doubting his commitment, work rate and, at times, the opportunities he has helped create.

The 29-year-old is not able to chase defenders for 90 minutes but puts them under pressure intelligently.

However, he is not a proven goalscorer at this level and it is clear that he has a real effect in coming on late.

He was a superb asset last season in helping run time down and hold the ball up. He has also showed this season, by scoring Town’s only league goal to date at Charlton, that he is a good option to come on when Shrews need something.

But the exciting Angol, who has been busy in two substitute cameos, and the brutish Amadi-Holloway are surely, as Askey signings, going to be the regular starters.

Judge those – and Okenabirhie when he fits into a system – when they are up to speed.

Another significant factor seemingly overlooked is the summer overhaul at Montgomery Waters Meadow.

Askey did not have to contend with losing his star duo days before the season, he had to deal with losing an almost entire squad.

This was something he was aware, and concerned, of when taking the job. It was to be a huge transition and has proved that way. How many clubs change almost from top to bottom and hit the ground running with no bumps in the road?

Sure, it’s easier if you have a big budget. But trickier for clubs like Shrewsbury.

It is difficult for players to gel. Even seasoned campaigners like Mat Sadler and Luke Waterfall will take half-a-dozen games to know each other inside out.

Town’s midfield, wide areas and attack are pretty much entirely new.

If you are making early judgement on this new era, then after a shaky start defensively they have merged into an organised and solid unit, while Anthony Grant has been a revelation. For him to complete two lots of 90 minutes after no summer has been a massive bonus

Four league games without a win has not been the start Askey wanted and he is desperate to get off the mark, but don’t write off his squad before key components have kicked a ball. Time should be on his side as he moulds a new squad into his way.