Community spirit inspiring Shrewsbury Town stars, says Micky Mellon
Shrewsbiury Town's players are being fired up by the inspiring community spirit building behind their League Two promotion bid.
Boss Micky Mellon is encouraging his men to meet fans and experience life in the county.
And learning the effect on who they are representing while wearing the Town shirt is giving the team extra motivation.
Mellon said: "One thing we are massive on is getting out into the community. I want my players fully aware of the people they represent when they play.
"I have been into pubs and schools and I think it's important they know that their performance affects the town and a lot of people.
"Sometimes that can pass footballers by because they just drive in, go to the dressing room, play the game and then go. The players here are happy to get out and meet people because it's a real inspirer."
Mellon visited service personnel at RAF Shawbury along with goalkeepers Jayson Leutwiler and Callum Burton last week.
Town officials and players have also visited Hope House Hospice and Shrewsbury's Grange School.
"I'm really keen to ensure they get out and realise what they do affects the community," said the manager. "I speak to pub landlords who say what a huge different it makes when they win a game to how busy that pub is and the feeling in that pub.
"When we lost it's almost like a ghost pub and takings are down. It affects people, and that gives the players something to play for."
Swiss goalkeeper Leutwiler is "very proud" to wear the shirt for Shrewsbury. He added: "I have settled well and I want to do well for the town.
"I'm looking forward to coming to work every day and for me to win promotion in an English league would be incredible."