How gymnastics has helped Shrewsbury Town striker George Lloyd

Shrewsbury Town striker George Lloyd has revealed his gymnastics background is behind one of his biggest strengths on the football pitch.

The 26-year-old stands at 5ft 8in - according to the internet - but is regularly able to outjump much taller defenders when competing for balls into the forward line.

Lloyd revealed the secret behind his aerial ability while speaking to the Talking Shrimp podcast at Shrewsbury's recent open day.

Asked how he is able to jump as high as he does, Lloyd said: “Gymnastics.

“I did gymnastics for years, I think 12 years. I stopped when I was 15, I had to choose between football and gymnastics.

“I got injured in gymnastics to be fair, I didn’t know what to do. That kind of swayed me to football.

“There were certain things that I couldn't do in gymnastics because of the injury. Football was ok, so I went with it.”

The striker signed a new contract with the club this summer and will be looking to help fire Shrewsbury to an improved season.

Lloyd has experienced both relegation from League One and a battle for survival in League Two during his time in Shropshire.

Lloyd added: “We need a season of stabilisation. The last few years have been disappointing. Since the manager has come in, it has been different.

“Going from when he came in to the end of last season, there is a bit more expectation. But League Two is very tough this year, there are no teams you would go to in the league and say they are going to struggle. There is a lot of strong competition.

“It is hard to say now. I am not someone who likes to be like this is what we want to do. It is all about the here and now.”

The full podcast episode can be found here.