Sam Ricketts tells his Shrewsbury Town players to fight to make fans proud

Town are likely to need at least another seven points from their remaining seven games to reach the regular League One safety tally of 50 points.

Town fans were appreciative of the players’ performance despite the 2-0 defeat last time out against Portsmouth, but the boss reckons passion and desire are traits that supporters demand to see.

Ricketts’ men head to managerless Southend on Saturday in need of improving their dire record on the road this season that has seen away fans witness just two league wins.

“I felt the frustration against Wycombe,” Ricketts said, referencing the recent home fixture where irritated fans let their feelings known.

“But what is really pleasing is the supporters saw a performance of endeavour, heart and no lack of quality (against Portsmouth) and they responded to that.

“We have to give the supporters a team they want to watch and be proud of and that performance was very good.

“Myself and the team are very grateful for the support.

“So from myself and the team we thank them very much and we’ll go again.”

January signing Scott Golbourne believes that, while results are all that count at this stage of the season, fans want to be entertained.

The experienced full-back, 31, said: “Performances are for the fans, we know we can pick up points winning.

“But fans travel and pay to see a performance. If you went to the theatre and pay – it’s about the performance.

“Of course, we need to win games, we understand we need to pick up results.

“But performances are for the fans and we knew it needed to be raised (after Wycombe).

“I think the fans appreciated us playing at a high tempo, playing some football and showing we can compete.”