Shropshire Star

Salop Social: A dose of reality

Salop fans have their say on the latest news at Shrewsbury

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CHRIS HUDSON

After three months of stunning improvement, the last few days have administered a dose of reality for us Shrewsbury Town fans.

Some of us – myself included – had probably started to get a little carried away after a run of eight wins in 13 games that had ignited some excited chatter about an unlikely play-off push.

But we were reminded about the harsh realities of football in the last two games.

Against Bristol Rovers we turned in arguably our worst performance of the season, not even registering a single attempt on goal until Daniel Udoh netted in injury-time.

Then on Tuesday, we had to settle for a draw against AFC Wimbledon – once again needing a wonder strike from Harry Chapman to get on the scoresheet.

It’s highlighted that, for all the progress we’ve made, there is still work to do if we are to become a genuine threat at the top end of League One.

We especially struggle against the more limited sides who set up to frustrate us. We’ve had far more joy against more expansive opponents who look to hurt us but leave us space to play in as a result.

All of this is insignificant in comparison to the plight of our manager Steve Cotterill, of course, who is back in hospital with covid-pneumonia.

His ongoing struggles have really put things in perspective – here’s hoping he’s back to health soon and going about the work of improving us further.

STEVEN JONES

The unlikely play-off charge looks even less likely after a couple of disappointing results, but it’s important to take stock of how far Shrewsbury have come in just three months.

Not so long ago there were genuine relegation fears. I’m sure ‘crisis’ was even mentioned in some melodramatic corners. Now, it’d be a disappointment if Town didn’t beat last season’s second highest League finish for 30 years.

Back in early December, a stoppage-time penalty rescued a point against Charlton to keep Salop just about within touching distance of Swindon in 20th place – a gap of five points to the safety line.

Things had actually gotten worse since Sam Ricketts left in late November when the team was four points adrift.

Since his departure, though, Shrewsbury have amassed 31 points from 16 matches – 1.93 points per game – and their form in the last 12 has them in sixth place, well away from falling into a dogfight to stay in the division.

They are comfortably top of the mini-league down there and hopefully they catch a few of those above them soon.

NATHAN ROWDEN

This week has been a real dose of reality for the Shrewsbury faithful.

Many fans, including myself, had started to optimistically look considerably higher up the table over the last few weeks, and we can be forgiven for dreaming thanks to Town’s superb recent form.

But with a turgid performance and loss to Bristol Rovers and a tired draw against AFC Wimbledon midweek, coupled with the news that Steve Cotterill has had to be readmitted to hospital, I’m reverting back to my original thinking.

We will stay up and I’m sure we will eventually end up finishing higher than 17th where we have seemingly been rooted for weeks on end.

But we also have to remember that Covid has changed the landscape of this season. The fixture list is frankly ridiculous and the longer the season goes on, flogging the players on a Saturday and Tuesday most weeks is going to lead to more lacklustre performances.

I also think it’s unlikely we will see the gaffer back on the touchline this season, in fact I’d support that decision now. Health simply has to come first.

While we send Steve our best wishes, what that would mean is that Shrewsbury are going to have lost his touchline coaching and presence for half a season, which is huge, but taking nothing away from the backroom staff and Aaron Wilbraham who have taken charge.

When you think of where we were before Steve Cotterill joined, we shouldn’t be too disappointed with a mid-table finish. The more I think about it, the more I realise it would be quite the achievement.