Aaron Wildig: Town was a learning curve
Midfielder Aaron Wildig has declared his Shrewsbury Town experience a learning curve as he moves on to the next chapter of his career.
The 23-year-old midfielder has embarked on a fresh start after his release from the Greenhous Meadow, signing a two-year deal with League Two Morecambe.
Wildig is looking forward to making his mark at the Globe Arena, where he played nine games on loan from last March.
He made just one appearance for Town last season, as a substitute in a 2-1 home defeat to Northampton on February 28.
And he admits it took a reality check from manager Micky Mellon to remind him he didn't give himself the best chance of an extended run.
He said: "I need to get back on track, because last season at Shrewsbury I didn't play as well as the season when we got relegated.
"Micky Mellon said I let myself down with regard to my fitness when I came back for pre-season training, so that was a learning curve.
"I did work in the summer – but perhaps not as much as I should, so I need to take that on board."
Wildig arrived at Shrewsbury initially for the first of two loan spells from Cardiff in November 2011.
Playing 12 times in their League Two promotion season that year, he added a further 53 League appearances after making the switch permanent in May 2012.
But he admitted things didn't always go to plan, adding: "I had an indifferent spell, really," he said. "I came on loan and played out of position in right midfield, but did a job.
"In our first season in League One, I would be the first to say the fans doubted me because I wasn't playing well enough for the level – my performances were nowhere good enough.
"I was really disappointed with my form and I wasn't playing with confidence.
"So I was really surprised to be offered a contract, but then I showed some of my best form up to Christmas the following season in League One.
"Then I got injured against Notts County and then played three games in a week and ended up pulling my quad and rushing back when, if I'd have rested it, I'd have been back sooner.
"I eventually came back for eight or nine games but it was too late to save us from going down. So I have to thank the fans for staying on-side and cheering me."
Wildig is looking to show his best form after being given the opportunity of regular football at Morecambe under boss and former Telford United defender Jim Bentley.
He said: "Jim Bentley has given me a chance to play and I did alright on loan there, so I want to repay him and do well.
"I played every game in my loan spell – but I think I can offer more, because I went there having not played a game for ages so I wasn't fully fit.
"When the season ended I wanted to carry on for another 20 games! I was getting fitter and fitter every game.
"So hopefully, with a full pre-season under my belt, I can hit the ground running.
"There's a good team spirit there – the changing room is full of Scousers, so it's fairly lively!"