Shropshire Star

Shrewsbury Town comment: Mistaken identity or a work in progress?

An unforeseen midweek thrashing left Shrewsbury fans more confident there were goals in John Askey’s squad.

Published

As Town head to Fleetwood today wondering whether they can recreate that form in League One – and which system Askey uses to shoehorn his attacking talent in – it is time to reflect on a topic brought up during the boss’s press musings.

I thought it worthy of debate and discussion because, most Town supporters would probably agree, a style of play under Askey has not yet developed.

Shrewsbury fans are still to fully grasp what kind of style Askey has or wants to achieve.

It will come as music to their ears that a pass and move ethos is his aim.

When Town have played well they have used the ball nicely – the first half against Portsmouth stands out as a prime example.

The fact that some fans can’t yet identify with the team is a concern. But these things take time, especially after an entire squad overhaul.

There has been a lack of consistency on the pitch that has stopped the game plan, the style, shining through.

Askey’s men have, at times, played some exciting football. Equally, at times, they have been slow and ponderous. In some games there are periods of both.

Last weekend against 10-man Accrington, where Town got the win, the ball could have been moved quicker.

The first half against Gillingham (2-2) and second halves against Scunthorpe (1-0 loss) and Luton (3-2 loss) were far too sluggish. Town looked totally unable to find simple passes to a team-mate.

The manager has not been able to wave a wand and instruct these players to play in his style over this short period.

Rome was not built in a day and an entirely new squad won’t grasp every ounce of Askey’s formula in two months. But it is important that fans see what is trying to be built.

It is refreshing to hear that Askey wants to bring an attractive playing style as the blueprint to his Salop regime.

Perhaps one reason fans cannot fully identify with the new Town style is team selection.

Supporters have been distracted and disapproving of a couple of decisions. Mat Sadler’s omission earlier in the season, top scorer Lee Angol shifting out to a wide left position and exciting midfielder Greg Docherty dropping to the bench, to name but three.

So, while these issues are still to be ironed out as Askey decides which players best fit which system, it is more unlikely that supporters are going to acknowledge and appreciate the product Askey’s team are trying to show.

The players must also step up. Askey has, largely, used a core of 13 or 14 players in the league and, at times, the quality hasn’t been there.

Still, it must be said, Town’s (successful) style of winning 1-0 and defending for their lives last season wasn’t the easiest on the eye – but then Shrews were winning, so nobody cared.

This season Salop have been dogged. They haven’t scored many and they haven’t conceded many. Hardly thrilling with a bunch of 0-0s and plenty more draws thrown in.

The results have improved and, as confidence and belief begins to seep back in, the football is likely to improve.

A winning team generally has a style, a blueprint and an identity and Town need to emerge with one that supporters can cling to.

A way of playing that fans, travelling to matches each week, can look forward to seeing. Passing football that excites, that lifts bums off seats, movement that gives the stadium a spark.

Town have the players in their ranks. It is up to Askey to hammer home the message. To imprint his style on Shrewsbury Town and give his regime an identity.