Jamie Tolley column: 'Are you not entertained?' - Why this Shrewsbury Town side feels different

That was my first thought after Saturday’s thrilling game. It was a real statement that football is back, and I loved it.

There were goals, sendings-off and a penalty shoot-out packed with drama. It was a proper entertaining afternoon of football - and thankfully, Shrewsbury ended up on the right side of it.

It was an impressive display from Town, and I’m sure Gavin Cowan and his management team will be delighted to see the work they’ve put in over the summer translate into a competitive game.

There were so many little things I noticed that weren’t happening last season - or the season before.

Midfield players were getting into and around the 18-yard box. Isaac Fletcher picked the ball up several times on the edge of the box in the first half, while Tom Sang went close with an effort that bent just around the post.

Then, in the second half, Fletcher was making runs beyond the forward line, creating space in midfield for others to get on the ball.

He eventually popped up in the box, allowing Josh Davison to finish. It was simply a case of having more bodies willing to be brave going forward.

The wing-backs give us width, while the pace we’ve got out wide could be a massive asset. I think that’s something we’re going to utilise a lot this season.

But the hero of the day was Will Brook, and I’m absolutely made up for him.

What he achieved on Saturday was fantastic, especially after the tough time he had last season.

I wasn’t happy when he was left out for the Wolves FA Cup game in January, and I was vocal about that at the time.

For Brook to stay strong, believe in himself, get his chance at the start of this season and then become the hero by saving four penalties is magnificent.

Another Will also starred - Will Gray. I’m a huge fan of his, and I’m not going to hide away from that.

I’ll talk about him every chance I get because I genuinely believe he has the potential to have a brilliant career in football. He’s got everything you want from a modern midfield player.

He’s so calm in the centre of the park and brings a real composure to the experienced players around him.

There were so many little things he did that might go unnoticed if you don’t watch football closely. But when you understand the game and see those little details, you think: Yeah, you’ve got it.

He excites me, and I just love watching him play.

Transfers

After the game, Gavin revealed that a potential ninth signing had collapsed at the last minute.

It almost felt like a double whammy after target Iwan Morgan had signed for Grimsby.

Then came the news that another player had been on the verge of putting pen to paper.

Certain things happened that the club wasn’t happy with. The club comes first, and I totally understand that.

Gav is right to say that, and the chairman and CEO are right to take that stance. You can’t put the club at risk.

I’m sure Gav is gutted, as will be the fans and the squad. But they’ll now be on the hunt for a replacement, and fingers crossed they can find the right one.

They are looking for attackers - and a certain Salop favourite faced his former side at the weekend.

When I think of a centre-forward who could potentially be available to come to Shrewsbury, I instantly think of Dan Udoh.

It was nice to see that he still has a very good relationship with the staff at Shrewsbury, as well as with players he knows from his time at the club. And, of course, he still has a great rapport with the fans.

I looked at Dan on Saturday and saw a frustrated figure sitting on the bench at Salford. No player wants to be on the bench, and I think he's probably the third choice at the moment.

I know things can change quickly in football, but if that frustration continues, I think it would be fitting for him to come back to Shrewsbury and help his old team and manager.

And I think he’d really enjoy it.