Salop Social: Transfer activity makes up for the lack of match action

Steven Jones

Thankfully, Shrewsbury’s transfer activity is one of the few things the coronavirus pandemic hasn’t managed to put on hold.

And it’s been another good start for Steve Cotterill. The first two arrivals are exciting ones and could gate-crash what’s been a justifiably settled starting XI in recent weeks.

There’s likely to be movement in the other direction, too, which is desperately needed to trim what is now a 30-man squad.

Cotterill certainly seems to know his best team for the time-being, with the same faces also coming off the subs bench.

One potential departure, which already feels like a case of what might have been, could be that of Jason Cummings.

You could argue Shrewsbury require another striker. And, frustratingly, he’s exactly the sort of player they need: someone capable of scoring regularly.

Despite some decent performances earlier in the season, the former Scotland international has fallen out of favour. Disappointingly, a new manager has changed nothing.

This could be James Collins all over again but perhaps a change is needed to reignite the undoubtedly talented Cummings’ career.

Nathan Rowden

This season has been a fascinating face off between rest and recuperation verses form.

After Salop’s continuation of great form with a win at home to Blackpool, you got the feeling that both players and fans were ready to plough on head first into the next game a few days later against Crewe.

Sadly Covid cases prevented that from happening and may also see our FA Cup tie against Premier League Southampton this weekend called off. It feels like a while since we’ve played.

While the break gives time for rest, it also disrupts the rhythm Town had found themselves in.

And with the country plunged into another lockdown, it’s difficult to see how there won’t be more disruption to the season.

It begs the question, in a season where there are so many games crammed in, is it helpful to have these breaks, or does it disrupt scheduled preparations, match fitness and confidence?

If you look elsewhere in League One Portsmouth haven’t played since December 18 – nearly a month ago. It’s going to be extremely hard to get into top gear right away. Does this put them at a disadvantage?

Maybe over the course of a season they would benefit from a de facto winter break?

It’ll be interesting to see how Salop get on when they finally return to league action against Lincoln next week, with results still very much needed to out space between us and the relegation places.