Ollie Norburn knows Shrewsbury's slow start can be turned around

Under former Town chief Micky Mellon, Norburn tasted promotion success from the National League with Tranmere via the play-offs.

But it was not a smooth start for Mellon in what was his first full campaign with Rovers.

Former League Two promotion-winning boss Mellon won just three from 12 National League games in a division where much was expected from the Prenton Park side.

Shrews chief John Askey, who beat Salop’s record transfer fee for 25-year-old midfielder Norburn, is after a first Town win after drawing four of their first seven League One games.

But form improved at the end of September as Tranmere lost just once in nine. Norburn’s former side also lost just twice between January 1 and March 10 before six straight wins in March and April saw them finish second.

“I know it’s different but with Tranmere in the National League last year we didn’t get off to the best start we’d have wanted,” said former Chelsea and Leicester academy man Norburn.

“It was probably a similar start and in September time we were 18th in the league and we ended up finishing second.

“It’s early days, I don’t think we can judge anything yet. But I think the people here watching will see that it’s a side with a lot of good players, who are in control in games – it’s only going to turn.

“We’ve got to stick together, work hard and I’m sure it will.”

For the first time since his Montgomery Waters Meadow arrival, Norburn has played back-to-back 90 minutes and impressed both against Bristol Rovers and Pompey.

He was one of 16 additions at Montgomery Waters Meadow this summer. The midfielder said he was used to such a high turnover from his previous spell under Askey at Macclesfield.

“I’ve had it before with the gaffer at Macclesfield,” he continued. “He obviously didn’t have the greatest of budgets so he had to get players in and out.

“He was dealing with a new team mostly every year. I wouldn’t say tough but it is hard at first, for me coming in and not knowing anyone.

“But within a few days you get to know the lads and gel pretty quick.”

Norburn added that he spoke with former Town chief Mellon, who was in charge between 2014 and 2016, about a possible switch to Shropshire. He continued: “Of course, I spoke to the gaffer there. I’ve got a lot of respect for him, he helped improve my game so I can’t speak a bad work of him.

“It was just about my desire to come and play higher.”