Shrewsbury Town squad given Christmas Day off by Sam Ricketts

Salop secured their first league win under the new boss by beating Coventry 1-0 on Saturday, a game that kickstarts a run of four clashes in 10 days over the hectic festive period.

The Town chief admits there is an element of trust with his players, particularly on Christmas Day, when they will not train, ahead of the Boxing Day trip to Accrington Stanley.

He added that home life can be a key factor in football and that a happy family life can help produce on the pitch.

Ricketts said: “The players are trusted to look after themselves and get themselves ready for Accrington.

“It’s a fine line in football. Are you in every day as top teams are or do you give players time with family?

“I’m torn between the two, but the players will be at home on Christmas Day. It’s important to enjoy family life because if you’re happy at home then you should see the benefits on the pitch.”

Aaron Amadi-Holloway’s towering second-half header secured the victory over the Sky Blues, a first League One success in three attempts, lifting Town to 15th and within three points of the top 10.

Ricketts, who retired as a player while with Coventry little over two years ago, added of the schedule: “It’s easier now when you don’t have to run around and I can just tell people to run around!

“It’s Christmas and as footballers all we’ve ever known is it’s a busy time. All the supporters have an extra slice of turkey and an extra drink

“As footballers, I’ll be demanding they’re ready for Accrington on Boxing Day.”

Town’s win was watched by just over 8,000 inside Montgomery Waters Meadow, the second largest home crowd of the season after the visit of Sunderland.

“It was amazing,” the boss added. “It was a great atmosphere, the fans were outstanding all game, to be successful it’s going to take their full support .

“But I appreciate we need to put a performance on that makes them want to watch and get behind us as well.”