Simpson in running for manager of the month

Simpson is one of four League Two managers who have been nominated for the gong for January.

Town accumulated seven points out of a possible 12 in the first month of 2010, having registered an away victory and draw at Chesterfield and Burton respectively, and defeated Dagenham at home.

Their month ended on a low point, however, with a home defeat to Accrington Stanley, a result which could yet cost Simpson the award.

The other managers who have been nominated are Bury's Alan Knill, Ian Sampson of Northampton and Port Vale's Micky Adams.

While Simpson has been nominated for the award before during his spell at the Prostar Stadium, he has never walked away with the prize.The winner for January will be announced on Saturday.

Town look likely to have to cope with one of this season's most consistent performers for the weekend's trip to Macclesfield.

Right back Dean Holden had been pencilled in for a return at Moss Rose, but the hamstring problem which ruled him out of the Accrington defeat has not yet fully healed.

"Dean went to see a specialist on Monday and it looks like it could be another week," said Simpson.

Holden's probable absence is likely to give youth teamer Danny Taylor the chance to gain more first-team experience.

Meanwhile, leading scorer Dave Hibbert has urged Shrewsbury to bounce back from last week's disappointment quickly.

"It didn't go to plan and that was a setback," said the 14-goal hitman

"But we have three games in the next week and if we can get a good points return, we can be right up there.

"We need to go to Macclesfield and get back to performing the way we were before the Accrington game."

By JAMES GARRISON