Shropshire Star

Shrewsbury Town vs Tranmere Rovers: Micky Mellon set to make first Meadow return

Chief Executive Brian Caldwell says Shrewsbury Town are looking forward to welcoming a former manager who will always have a ‘soft spot’ for the club.

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Micky Mellon returns tonight for the first time since his departure – two years ago last Saturday – with his Tranmere Rovers side facing John Askey’s Town in the Checkatrade Trophy, writes Lewis Cox.

League Two promotion winner Mellon spent 29 months in Shropshire after his appointment in summer 2014. He left for the-then National League Rovers after an approach for his services following a poor start to Town’s League One campaign.

The former Fleetwood and Barnsley caretaker chief guided Salop back to League One in his first season in charge, finishing in second spot.

Caldwell joined Town in February 2016 and spent eight months with Mellon. He admitted the pair had a close working relationship and are still in touch.

“It’s crazy to think it’s two years ago, especially with the turnaround in the last few months let alone two years,” said Caldwell of his compatriot.

“I’ve got to say it’s very difficult when a manager leaves but it was a good opportunity for Micky at the time.

“He’d been at the club two-and-a-half years and things weren’t going that well at the time.

“Tranmere came in and said they’d be interested in speaking with him. From a location point of view it was closer to home, a club he played with and the potential for another job when things weren’t going how we’d have hoped.

“I’d like to think people will remember Micky for what he did here initially, getting us promoted. Micky got on really well with our fans and was active in the community.”

Mellon joins defender Mark Ellis and forward Larnell Cole in returning to Shropshire for a game Town chief Askey is likely to ring the changes for. The Town CEO explained that the parting of ways, which led to Town ending an 18-day manager hunt by appointing Paul Hurst, was pleasant and amicable.

“We all shook hands and left on good terms. It can’t always be the case in football,” added Caldwell.

“Usually when a manager leaves it can be on bad terms – when it’s someone leaving to go to a higher club it can be on bad terms, as we all know.

“Ultimately it can be difficult but this was a good scenario for the football club and Micky.

“He had success bringing us into League One and the good FA Cup run when I got here.

“I’m still in touch with Micky, I was texting him over the weekend, he’s always got a soft spot for Shrewsbury Town and will be pleased to come back.”