Shropshire Star

Shaun Whalley: I’ll play anywhere that helps the team

Shrewsbury’s Shaun Whalley believes he can adapt to playing in any position because of his varied career.

Published

Primarily a winger, the 31-year-old has been one of Town’s main men ever since joining the club from Luton in 2015.

But for the past few months the trickster – who was with Everton as a youngster – has been deployed at right wing-back by manager Sam Ricketts.

And Whalley says he is happy to play anywhere so long as it means Shrewsbury win enough games to retain their League One status.

“I used to play right-back all the time when I was a kid coming through at Everton – that was my position,” he said.

“Obviously as I got older I got moved further forward.

“I’ve played up front, left wing, right wing, in behind the striker, right back, right wing back now, I feel like I’ve played that many games I should know what I’m doing no matter the position I’m playing.

“I feel like I’ve been playing well and the gaffer’s happy with me there. The team’s the most important thing.”

After leaving Everton, Whalley spent a number of years playing in non-league.

And he feels that has helped him become the well-rounded footballer he is today.

“I left Everton when I was about 14 so I was probably playing there from about 10 until 14,” he continued.

“It was a long time ago but I’m old enough to know different positions on the pitch.

“I think when I left Everton I was just playing with my mates and just wanted to go up front.

“For my first club I was right wing, then I signed to Accrington and I was left wing and up front.

“I moved to Wrexham and I was up front. Different positions aren’t a problem.

“The gaffer’s said that to me I have to work hard not matter what position I’m in.

“If I’m right wing-back then I’m getting back, but only like a right midfielder would.”