The reasons behind Shrewsbury Town's prudent January transfer window

After 29 years, owner Roland Wycherley believes he has found the right buyer to take the club forward, and we are now waiting on an update on the next stage.

But it’s fair to say until the takeover is completed, Shrewsbury must continue to function as if it isn’t going to happen.

In an open letter to supporters at the end of November, chief executive Liam Dooley said: "I am delighted to say following the chairman’s statement earlier this month, we are now officially in an exclusivity period with our new potential owners. 

"Speaking on behalf of the board, we are all really excited for what the future holds as we look to build on the fantastic foundations laid by Roland Wycherley."

The future looks bright. We are always reminded of that by Gareth Ainsworth when he talks about the club's potential. But the present is challenging for Shrewsbury's supporters after a difficult transfer window. 

Town are seven points from third tier safety and they did not manage to strengthen their squad adequately in the market - in many people's opinions. One of the questions asked by fans is that if Roland Wycherley is selling, why wasn't there one last hurrah? 

Well, the answer to that is simple. Shrewsbury must continue to operate as if there is no takeover. 

If Shrews were to have spent beyond their means last month, under the impression a new owner was going to come in, what would happen if the takeover fell through? 

Then Town would find themselves in real financial difficulty. 

They are where they are now under this ownership - Wycherley has been a good custodian to the football club for close to three decades. 

But there is too much money in League One now, and Salop just cannot compete under their current model - there is no shame in that. 

On the football side, January was a mess, there is no getting away from it. 

But Salop cannot put their financial security into jeopardy for the sake of signing a couple of players. 

Shrewsbury are well run. They are cautiously run but they have no debt - so many clubs across the EFL could learn a thing or two about the way Town operate. 

Relegation, while it would completely heart-breaking for all involved, would not impact the takeover. The value of the football club is hardly impacted by the division they play in. 

They own their own stadium, their own training ground and they own a huge quantity of land. They are tangible assets which will not be devalued by dropping out of League One.

The stark reality is this is where Shrewsbury are right now, and with Ainsworth in charge he will try and galvanise the fanbase to get behind the team for the remainder of the season. 

He believes they still stand a chance, and his positivity can carry Shrewsbury forward. 

It may seem like Town are being prudently run, the truth is they are, and eventually without investment it catches up with you, but underneath it all, it is in the club's interest to operate in this way.