Shrewsbury v Bristol Rovers: Old-boys aren’t the only threat ahead of reunion – Mat Sadler
Mat Sadler is looking forward to testing himself against former comrades Alex Rodman and Stefan Payne tomorrow.
But the captain says Shrewsbury should be aware of other threats that struggling Bristol Rovers pose rather than just focusing on the returning duo.
John Askey’s Town, winless and with just two points so far, host a Rovers side who have claimed just three points – with one win and four defeats from five.
Neither manager has started the campaign as they wanted but tomorrow brings Askey a chance of a first league success at the sixth time of trying in what already feels like a big game.
And in Rodman and Payne, the clash sees the return of two familiar faces. Both spent 18 months with Town and were central to last season’s play-off final exploits.
With 55 and 54 appearances, respectively, and 23 goals between them, they were effective regulars in Paul Hurst’s side.
Striker Payne, who top scored last season, started the League One campaign, four Saturdays ago, in Askey’s starting line-up against Bradford. Rodman scored an equaliser in the play-off final at Wembley.
“We know the threats that they pose, namely people that were here in Rodders and Stef, but there are other threats that they still have from last season,” said Sadler.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Rodders because he stole our boombox from last season! Him and Hendo (Dean Henderson) had it in their place so I’m hoping he brings it back.
“Stef had a big part to play last season as top goalscorer, both of them are good guys.
“They’re good players, in what was a good team last season – and integral parts in that.
“They’ve gone to another club now, trying to find their feet. Stef scored on his debut, so has settled well, and Rodders has gone with a bit of a point to prove.”
Captain Sadler continued: “Everyone watching knows what Stef’s like. He’s a very effective player at League One level. He’s strong, quick and knows where the goal is.
“I know some of his strengths and I am looking forward to playing him as we did every day we trained together. The main point is we stop him from scoring.”
Unlike at Montgomery Waters Meadow, there has not been a total overhaul at the Memorial Stadium, where Darrell Clarke’s men are targeting an improvement on last season’s 13th-placed finish.
Sadler warned that, despite a rocky start to the season, the Gas have enough threats to keep Town on guard.
“Aside from those two they’ve got plenty of other players who can hurt you. The lad (Kyle) Bennett (from Telford) who was at Portsmouth is a player of real threat and can pose a problem,” added Sadler. “Just looking at Rodders and Stef would be at our peril because they’ve got great threats.”
Askey, who saw his men squander a lead twice at Luton last weekend and pegged back by Manchester City’s youngsters (before a penalty shootout win) in midweek, is wary of the duo impressing on their Shropshire return.
“It tends to happen, doesn’t it?” he said. “Hopefully it doesn’t happen tomorrow. “Throughout my career in football management, players that have left me have come back and scored goals but I think it’s the same for every club.”
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Opposition boss
Darrell Clarke: "We are all desperate, me personally, to turn this around, which we will do. Let’s rebuild and start again on Saturday against Shrewsbury.”
Memory lane
Town thrashed Rovers at home last October with four first-half goals from Alex Rodman, Carlton Morris, Jon Nolan and Junior Brown.
Key man
Anthony Grant
Given a night off on Tuesday in the cup and has a big role to play here in keeping the Gas away from Town’s goal.
Dangerman
Stefan Payne
Who else? Tomorrow’s game is massive for both 27-year-old striker Payne and winger Alex Rodman, two heroes of last season’s campaign. Just the one goal so far for Payne following deadline day exit, but Town’s top scorer last season will be desperate to offer Salop fans a reminder of his talents.
Predicted teams:
Shrewsbury Town (4-3-3): Coleman; Bolton, Waterfall, Sadler, Beckles; Grant, Laurent, Dochert; Whalley, Angol, Gilliead.
Subs: Arnold (gk), Haynes, Kennedy, Norburn, Amadi-Holloway, John-Lewis, Okenabirhie.
Bristol Rovers (4-4-2): Bonham; Leadbitter, Lockyer, Broadbent, J Clarke; Upson, O Clarke, Matthews, Rodman; Bennett, Payne.
