Sam Ricketts: Something special can be done at Shrewsbury

Ricketts, who had spells with Telford and Wolves as a player, already feels at home in the Salop hot seat.

Having inherited a large squad that is not on short of confidence, the 37-year-old realises he is in a fortunate position – and is determined to make the most of it.

When asked how he has found things at Town, before today’s game at Burton, Ricketts said: “Even better than I was hoping for, to be honest with you.

“Everything behind the scenes is really good.

“It is all set up, ready for this club to do something special.

“I’ve settled in really well. I’m really thankful for everyone who has helped me settle in as quick as I could. I’m delighted to be here.

“The infrastructure behind the scenes, the facilities, the staff here.

“It’s not just myself, there’s an awful lot of people putting in an awful lot of hard work.

“The foundations are there for the players.

“Once you’ve got the foundations there for the players, that negates an awful lot – not excuses, but you’re controlling everything that you can control.

“You’re giving the players the best opportunity, when they go on the pitch, of winning the game.

“That is what has impressed me, how good the set up is behind the scenes.

“I’m fortunate that I knew a lot of the staff here already as well.

“I’ve not had to walk in and ask people’s names. I knew an awful lot of people here already.”

Ricketts was keen to keep up the momentum at the Pirelli Stadium today.

“The biggest thing in any walk of life is confidence and momentum,” he added.

“There’s a big difference between walking out onto the pitch and hoping to win, and walking out onto the pitch expecting to win.

“With hope, you’re relying on something else.

“When you expect to win, you generally make it happen yourself. That’s where I think we’re at.”

Meanwhile, Town's FA Cup third round tie with Stoke City at home is now taking place at 12.30pm on Saturday, January 5 as it has been selected for live overseas broadcast.