James Bolton: We need to give more for Shrewsbury Town
James Bolton has urged his team-mates to give more for the Shrewsbury badge.
Out-of-sorts Town endured a dismal trip to Oxford last time out but have now turned their focus to another crunch clash at the bottom of League One – at AFC Wimbledon.
Under-pressure boss John Askey read the riot act to his side after the 3-0 Oxford reverse and defender Bolton also pulled no punches about Town’s attitude.
Bolton believes responsibility should rest with the players for any lack of effort and not Askey.
When asked how Town can put a stop to their inconsistencies, Bolton said: “We’ve got to do what we can. I keep hammering on about it but he can’t make us run out there. We’ve got to work hard.
“We’ve got to do it for the badge, ourselves and the team.
“It was a tough one to take but we’ve got to bounce back, the games come quick. We’ll hopefully do much better on Saturday.
“It’s us as players, we’ve got to get ourselves up for it and do it.
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We’ve got a big game on Saturday and we’ve got to work hard and do what we can.”
Town are winless on the road this season with no wins in eight League One attempts.
Askey and Bolton both recognised Shrewsbury fans had travelled in good numbers as they were backed by a near-600 following at Oxford.
But they have had little to shout about away from Montgomery Waters Meadow, taking just three points from 24 available, the worst record in the league. Bolton, 24, who returned to the team for last Tuesday’s win over Barnsley, continued: “It’s not nice for the fans. They came out in good numbers at Oxford and you can always hear them, they’re always positive.
“But it wasn’t good enough and it’s not nice for them. Hopefully we can bounce back and give them something to cheer on Saturday.”
His return has coincided with Askey reverting to a 3-5-2, with Bolton playing on the right of the defensive trio.
He added: “It was a frustrating time but I’m one of those that will get my head down and work hard.
“Hopefully I can get a run going and stay in the team because I love playing for Shrewsbury.
“I quite like it (the back three), it suits me a little bit because I used to be a centre-half when I was a little bit younger and I’m not afraid to go back into the right-back positions when you need to go out there and support.
“Oxford wasn’t down to formations. As players we’ve got to do more, simple as that.”
