Why Michael Appleton will thank former Shrewsbury boss Micky Mellon in clash at Oldham

And Appleton clearly recalls one of their early face-offs, when he was in charge of Oxford United, in a League Two Boxing Day clash that resulted in a comfortable 2-0 for Kassam Stadium visitors Shrewsbury.

Appleton labelled a 2-0 victory for Mellon's promotion-winners Town in 2014 as a "humbling day" but a lesson he was extremely grateful for that brought clarity in what the current Shrews boss described as an "out-of-body experience" and "lightbulb moment".

"I always remember my first year at Oxford and we faced Shrewsbury on Boxing Day," Appleton said.

"The first six months were tough for me there before I had the opportunity to recruit and bring certain type of players into the group and before I was allowed to get rid of certain players out of the club.

"It was a really humbling day for me. I remember it was Boxing Day, that time of year. I remember Shrewsbury beating us 2-0 at the Kassam. It was boys against men.

"But it was the biggest lesson I've needed and had in the early part of my career as a manager because I knew what I had to do with the group."

Goals from James Collins and Mark Ellis inside 20 minutes were easily enough for Shrewsbury in what was a procession in a memorable debut season for Mellon in Shropshire.

Appleton, 49, had already overseen stints with Portsmouth, Blackpool and Blackburn prior to taking the Oxford job, but two of those had been shortlived.

The U's endured a challenging start to that season and went on to finish 13th.

Appleton followed Mellon's path the following season with a second-placed finish to reach League One.

"It brought so much clarity to me," he recalled of the Christmas defeat 11 years ago. "I just remember standing there on a freezing cold day, getting absolutely pumped by the opposition. It was almost like an out-of-body experience because I wasn't even watching the game.

"I was thinking about what I needed to do going forward. So I'll thank Micky for that opportunity because it certainly helped me going forward with the group.

"Obviously we've had many games since, but as a game for me it was a little bit of a lightbulb moment."

Since departing Town in late 2016 Mellon, 53, has managed Tranmere, twice winning two promotions, Dundee United and Oldham, who he led to National League promotion last term.

Appleton has overseen an improved run of results at Town and said: "That's been the message to the players - don't rest on your laurels.

"You've done well for a few games in terms of getting the results you deserve. But sometimes you don't always get the results you deserve. I think we've found that on many occasions this season already."