Sam Northwood previews tomorrow’s opening League 1 home game against Burton Albion.

Venue: Montgomery Waters Meadow

Competition: League One

Time: 15:00

Head to Head record: Played 25, 6 Shrewsbury Town wins , 6 Draws, 4 Burton Albion wins

Town will host Burton in the first game of the season and the first game with full capacity since March 2020.

Last time the 2 clubs played each other was in March this year when Curtis Main and Harry Chapman both scored to help Shrewsbury win 2-1 at the Pirelli stadium. Salop have never beat Burton at home in a League 1 game so will hope that changes.

As well as Shrewsbury last season, Burton had to appoint a new manager to turn their fortunes around, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Steve Cotterill both performed minor great escapes at both clubs and both will want better seasons this time. Burton have made 12 signings this summer including ex Shrewsbury duo Bryn Morris and Aaron Amadi Holloway. Both could feature on Saturday. Burton will be without new signing Louis Moult who will miss a big chunk of the season and Kane Hemmings is also a doubt.

Steve Cotterill has made 7 signings so far this transfer window with many more still to come. Marko Maroši, Matthew Pennington, George Nurse, Luke Leahy, David Davis, Elliott Bennett and Ryan Bowman could all feature. Cotterill admitted that Norburn, Pierre and Ebanks Landell are the ones lacking in fitness but hopes they can play a part in the squad on Saturday.

Predicted XI’s

Shrewsbury Town:

Maroši

Pennington

Pierre

Leahy

Bennett

Vela

Davis

Ogbeta

Nurse

Whalley

Bowman

Burton Albion:

Balcombe

Brayford

Oshilaja

Wallace

Blake Tracey

Morris

Taylor

Maddox

Patrick

Akins

Smith

Prediction: Shrewsbury Town 1-0 Burton Albion

Sam Northwood

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Our young inspirational reporter and massive Shrewsbury Town fan Corbin is back and gave us his thoughts on our away friendly against Hereford FC.

“My first away game with Shrewsbury fans since February 2020, okay it was only a friendly but a chance for me and my Dad to get that feeling back of those away days again.”

“Shrewsbury in their new Yellow and Blue kit looked like a 4-4-2 but I was told it was 3-5-2 with new signing Luke Leahy in a three alongside Ebanks-Landell and Matthew Pennington, Bennett and Ogbeta played as wingbacks with Ogbeta as captain. Vela, Davis and Whalley started behind Bowman and Bloxham completing our line up.”

“The game started brightly with us passing the ball side to side for everyone to get a touch and Hereford also got a feel for the ball. The home team had a few players on trial. We were winning the early parts of the game and we thought we scored on 10 mins as young Tom Bloxham smashed one into the corner but a flag denied us a flying start. The disallowed goal allowed the home team to grow into the game as their left winger caused Ebanks Llandell problems and we got a yellow card when Ebanks Llandell after being beaten for pace hacked down the winger. Hereford had a chance with new goalkeeper Maroši in goal for his first start for Town pushing a goal bound effort wide. Then Ogbeta at the other end put a cross into Bowman but his shot was straight at the keeper.”

“In the second half Tom Bloxham went off injured in what looked like a nasty one, Udoh came on and nearly scored straight away with a shot from the edge of the box, but then we started getting sloppy and big gaps appeared in midfield. Hereford started attacking us a lot, we gave away silly free kicks which against better opponents we would have conceded some goals and then Hereford took the lead as a low cross went goalwards and ball took a bounce that tricked Maroši in goal. We couldn’t tell from our view if it was a deflection off our own defender but it was 1-0.”

“1-0 nearly became 2 as a mix up at the back saw our keeper scramble a ball off the line and moments later the home fans screamed for hand ball when a shot hit one of our defenders. We were still sloppy and seemed to be off the pace, Daniels replaced Bennett on the right with 15 minutes to go and Hereford were getting tired. With 10 minutes to go we scored twice in 4 minutes first Udoh beat his marker for pace got into the box passed it to Whalley who flicked it towards goal and with a slight deflection looped the ball into the net 1-1. Moments later Udoh became the scorer himself as he took on his man and bent it passed the goalkeeper who was on trial and Town led 2-1.”

“Goals do things to teams in games suddenly we looked like the higher tiered opposition as we passed the ball in confidence and Hereford barely laid a hand on us after that.”

“The referee blew for full time and Shrewsbury had won 2-1, a game that wont be remembered in the pre season archives in years to come. At the end Steve Cotterill all the staff and players came over to us fans in a line and did a Ole Ole celebration which was fun to see.”

“As we left the game we reflected on the game with others on the walk back to the car park. Pre season is all about getting the players fit and assembling a squad ready for start of the season on August 7th. Plenty to build on with our team as the new signings did okay but we looked a bit light even without Pierre and Norburn away playing for Grenada in the Gold Cup we are still a few players from a League One ready squad. When you name two goalkeepers and only five subs for a pre season game it shows whats needed. We trust Steve and his team to get some more players in and make us strong for an assault on the League.”

“The signs are good as we already have some good quality players and if we can hold on to Ogbeta for the season that will be a big plus. As a fan I am looking forward to the season and I am excited to see where it leads. I don’t think Shrewsbury will do what we did in 2017/18 but a more consistent season could well bring us more excitement once we all gel as a team.”

“Love and Peace, Corbin.”

Thanks to Corbin for his thoughts on the game against Hereford.

Corbin Davies

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Hereford FC V Shrewsbury Town – 20/07/21

Kick off – 1945

Competition – Friendly

Venue – Edgar Street

Clubs nickname – The Bulls

Manager – Josh Gowling

Capacity – 5214

Distance/Time from Montgomery Waters Meadow – 52.7 miles / 1 hour 27 minutes by car

Post code for sat nav – HR4 9JU

Nearest train station – Hereford

Nearest pub – Imperial Inn

Away fans stand – Len Weston Stand

Year ground opened – 1924

Weather forecast – This afternoon will be hot again for many, with strong sunshine. A few fair-weather clouds may develop during the afternoon.

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Here at “Going Down The Oteley Road” we will be speaking to fans of our opposition throughout the season. Ahead of our pre season friendly game against local rivals AFC Telford United, we had a chat with a Bucks fan.

What’s your name?

Anthony Johnson

Where are you from?

Telford

How long have you supported Telford?

Lifelong Telford fan.

Who is your favourite ever Telford player?

Ryan Young, a goalkeeping legend.

Who is your favourite ever Telford manager?

Before my time but would have to be Sir Geoff Hurst, for what he did for England.

Who should we watch out for from the current Telford team?

Elliott Durrell and Tyrell Hamilton, both exciting players.

Where do you think you will finish in the league this season?

Near the play-offs.

What do you know about Shrewsbury?

Quite a lot being born in Shrewsbury. My grandfather supported them, I trained with the club when I was younger and my son played for their academy.

What do you think the score will be?

2-1 to Shrewsbury.

Big thanks to Anthony, for answering our questions.

Daz Carding (@Salopian_Jambo)

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

AFC Telford United V Shrewsbury Town – 13/07/21

Kick off – 1945

Competition – Friendly

Venue – New Bucks Head

Clubs nickname – The Bucks

Manager – Gavin Cowan

Capacity – 6300

Distance/Time from Montgomery Waters Meadow – 12.7 miles / 17 minute by car

Nearest train station – Wellington

Nearest pub – The Dugout Bar

Away fans stand – The Frank Nagington Stand

Year ground opened – 2003

Weather forecast – Will start largely cloudy, with just the chance of the odd light shower in places. In the afternoon, it will be mostly dry with plenty of sunny spells.

Daz Carding (@Salopian_Jambo)

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

We asked the Salopian super fan, Bizzy for his thoughts on our away League 1 draw with MK Dons and the today’s sacking of Sam Ricketts.

“Writing this fresh on the announcement of Ricketts’ sacking , even the staunchest ‘Sams the Man’ preachers must have realised his time was up and the only place we were heading under his tenure ship was League 2 football.”

“Been a largely uninspiring two years in charge sprinkled with some good cup memories, but on the whole the football was dull and lifeless. I lost the enjoyment and spark of going to games while he was here, the same could be said for Askey too. Yes we were spoilt in a once in a generation season under Hursty, but the last two appointments have left a lot to be desired, the next one is a huge one but leaving it as late as November has dwindled the options a bit.”

“I’ve felt for Sam with the injury issues, but there was a definite problem fitness wise under him, not just with the players out but with Salop wilting in the dying embers of games as you could see last night as soon as MK scored the first their heads just dropped . We were devoid of energy as the game went on, no leadership on or off the field, no battle at all and players looking for inspiration that was sadly nowhere to be seen.”

“You can’t argue Salop have had a fair bit of bad luck this season with injuries mounting up, decisions going against us, difference of formation against Boro and Pompey early doors looked encouraging but once the mistakes started the mentality of us not repeating them sadly never went away. The bizarre omission of Goss and Love from the league squad was another bitter pill to take, countless midfielders signed but looking as poor as we’ve ever been in the middle, random loan signings, desperate 30 plus players signed on non contracts, the whole situation is a bloody mess. Sadly Sam has not got the experience at this level to change it, its not his fault in a way, he was thrown into a job he didn’t have the know how and tactical nouse of doing.”

“Where do we go from here?? Despite the doom and gloom the quality of players at the next managers disposal ain’t that bad at all, overall recruitment wise Sam didnt do too badly at all. We need a much stricter manager at the helm, someone who can grab the club by the bollocks and tell players whats what and fitness levels must be improved. I know Hursty wont return and I don’t think it would be right for him too but we need a character just like him to move us forward. Whoever takes over will have a arguably better squad than Hurst had at his disposal in 2017/18.”

“The Cowley brothers if finances allow will be my choice, they remind me of Hurst and Doig, no nonsense leaders who have the ability to make average lower league players a lot better than they were, Cowleys and Hurst at Salop both gave belief to their respective clubs, both ultimatley failed at higher league sides but the Cowleys will have learned alot from there adventure at Huddersfield, have experience in our division and would be ideal appointments.”

“A huge call for the club this is?? Please don’t fook it up like you have the last two times. Good luck for the future Sam but your lack of experience was your downfall and to be honest you should never have been manager at Town. At least now I can look forward and start to enjoy watching Salop again now you’ve gone.”

“Love and jollops Biz”

Be sure to follow our resident Shrewsbury Town super fan on Twitter @Bizzylad

Bizzy

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

We asked the Salopian super fan, Bizzy for his thoughts on our away League 1 loss against Ipswich Town.

“Alert the hounds and fetch the ropes, twenty minutes in lightly salted water for my love spuds are a boiling.”

“Another heartbreaking defeat for Salop against the Tractor Boys Saturday, the pattern all seems to frequent now, will the board act sooner rather than later??”

“Again Town enjoyed a very positive opening, going at Ipswich early doors and a disputed penalty gave Salop the lead. How Sam thought we should have had three stonewall penalties god only knows but we were fully deserving of our early lead, the Tractor Boys were there for the taking if only we could have got a second goal. I’m sure we could have left Suffolk with a much needed win, Ipswich were very slow and sluggish, a team that sums up the averageness of the divison this year.”

“Mistakes apart you couldn’t really ask much more from Salop, everybody put a shift in and we looked decent on the counter attack. We defended very well on the whole, Mark Millar yet again outstanding for me and hopefully a permanant deal can be sorted. The midfield of Norbs and Edwards although lacking in any style or guile worked very hard, tidying up all the scraps, despite the volume of numbers there we are still missing a playmaker though. Gossy would and could have been ideal for that but sadly not to be.”

“The less said about the two goals the better, what was Landell trying to do for the first?? He just seems to switch off at vital moments, Burgoyne sadly at fault for the second as you’ve got to parry the ball out of danger. Why are there so many individual mistakes??”

“I had some sympathy for Sam on Saturday it really is hard to blame him, players must start to take responsibility and still feel we are lacking leadership on the field, too many nice characters perhaps?? Ricketts can’t be held responsible for individual errors but he can be held into account of a record of 1 win in 12 and only 3 wins in 26 streching back to the beginning of the calendar year. He’s had one of the biggest budgets of any Salop manager in history, what I see is a squad that is unfit, very unbalanced and ageing which goes totally against Ricketts long term B team plan. We are four points adrift in relegation and it will get worse with the fixtures if Sam remains in charge. The board must hold there hands up and realise they’ve dropped a bollock with the last two appointments, maybe if Sam served his apprenticeship lower down a bit longer he may become a decent League 1 gaffer but its not working and its damaging Salop the longer he stays in charge, Askey was relieved of his duties for a lot less.”

“Ricketts OUT and keep the faith”

“Love and jollops Biz”

Be sure to follow our resident Shrewsbury Town super fan on Twitter @Bizzylad

Bizzy

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Sam Northwood previews today’s League 1 away game against Ipswich Town.

Venue: Portman Road

Competition: League One

Time: 15:00

Head to Head record: Played 25, 3 Shrewsbury Town wins , 8 Draws, 14 Ipswich Town wins

After the disappointing draw last week it gets no easier as Shrewsbury Town make the long trip to Ipswich. After bottling a pair of 2 goal leads against Swindon, Sam Ricketts needs a quick response to relieve some of the pressure. Josh Vela will be available again after his suspension is now over.

Ipswich Town currently sit 3rd in League One with a game in hand over top of the league Peterborough. They have won every home league game so far this season. Former Shrewsbury duo Jon Nolan and Toto Nsiala will most likely feature for Ipswich.

Key Players:

Ipswich Town – Gwion Edwards

Shrewsbury Town – Aaron Pierre

Predicted XI’s

Ipswich Town:

Holy

Chambers

Nsiala

Mcguiness

Ward

Bishop

Huws

Edwards

Judge

Jackson

Lankester

Shrewsbury Town:

Burgoyne

Millar

Williams

Ebanks Landell

Pierre

Daniels

Walker

Norburn

Pugh

Tracey

Barnett

Score prediction: Ipswich Town 3-1 Shrewsbury Town

Sam Northwood

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

We asked the Salopian super fan, Bizzy for his thoughts on our home League 1 draw with Swindon Town.

“I thought she had elephantitus , but she just farted in her tights.”

“Another agonising afternoon at the Meadow when will we learn, saying that though the last two Salop games have been the most entertaining I’ve seen in a long time for the right and wrong reasons.”

“Despite the doom and gloom of being a Town fan at the moment, there’s still some positives to be taken, we are sure are a lot more pleasing on the eye recently and quite refreshing to see us going at teams. Our wing backs are wanting to go forward, the lad Millar looks a good find as he can take a player on and possesses bags of strength, Charlie Daniels’ distribution was top notch too but we need to utilise it more. Another full of energy performance from Shilow, if fans were allowed to be in the ground they would definitley take to him but the best player on the field for Salop was Pughy as near enough everything went through him, the cross for Millar’s header was top notch and his fitness levels seem to be creeping up alot too.”

In midfield we struggled at times yet again, Anthony Grant would walk into Salop’s team at the moment and I thought he was outstanding Saturday, spreading the ball out wide all the time. I wish we had someone like that, Norbs looks lost and although Edwards tidies up well and not forgetting his brilliantly taken goal he offers little else, maybe Edwards would be more influential with a quality middle man with him but Norbs is sadly not that player for the fee we paid overall hes been a bit of a dissapointment to Salop.”

“The fact that Cummings can’t get in the side with all our injury problems uptop shows what another dissapointing signing he’s been too, but its great goals are coming from other areas though.”

“The obvious problem area is at the back and I’m at a loss to explain whats gone wrong, maybe the presence of O’Leary between the sticks last season was more influential than we thought. Do they feel the same confidence with Burgoyne? Not having ago at Harry at all I think hes a cracking keeper in the making. Lack of leadership at the back maybe a problem too? They look like individuals rather than a unit. Ro-Shaun looks like a rabbit in the headlights everytime the ball is near him, Ebanks positioning is terrible at times, we also look slow and sluggish defensively too. Ricketts and to a degree Whitehead were defensive type players at a very high level surely they can see whats going on, I’m still shaking my head at Millar’s substitution Saturday though, it fooked up our entire shape and was a definite contributing factor to Swindon grabbing a point.”

“I know its all past but do miss the togetherness that Hursty brought us, just dont get that feeling with this current crop of managment and players.”

“Sadly its a case of when and not if Ricketts is gone, it may take another heavy defeat to tilt Roland but surely its only a matter of time before he goes. Unless he risks keeping him till the summer and the inevitable prospect of basement division football awaits.”

“Man Of The Match – Marc Pugh”

“I’m now off for my second course of HLT (herbal laxative therapy), runny nostrils and ringpieces await.”

“Love and jollops Biz”

Be sure to follow our resident Shrewsbury Town super fan on Twitter @Bizzylad

Bizzy

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Sam Northwood previews today’s League 1 home game against Swindon Town.

Venue: Montgomery Waters Meadow

Competition: League One

Time: 15:00

Head to Head record: Played 62, 16 Shrewsbury Town wins, 16 Draws, 30 Swindon Town wins.

After some signs of a recent change of form, Shrewsbury Town will hope to continue it and hope they can prove that they are turning a corner. Josh Daniels won’t be playing this week as he picked up a knock during last weeks game. The good news is that Dave Edwards and Matt Millar have now returned and Shaun Whalley is progressing well.

Swindon Town are currently managerless as ex Shrewsbury player Richie Wellens recently left for League Two Salford. Swindon currently sit 20th in League One. A win for Shrewsbury would see us leapfrog Swindon and hopefully out of the relegation zone. Former Shrews player Anthony Grant will most likely feature for Swindon.

Key Players:

Shrewsbury Town – Ollie Norburn

Swindon Town – Anthony Grant

Predicted XI’s

Shrewsbury Town:

Burgoyne

Millar

Williams

Ebanks Landell

Daniels

High

Walker

Norburn

Pugh

Tracey

Barnett

Swindon Town:

Kovar

Caddis

Odimayo

Grounds

Donohue

Grant

Smith

Payne

Smith

Grant

Hope

Score prediction: Shrewsbury Town 2-2 Swindon Town

Sam Northwood

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/