We asked the Salopian super fan, Bizzy for his thoughts on our EFL Trophy away win against Crewe Alexandra.

“He had the choice of eight sprouts but ends up pumping his own Mum, British sprouts mon best in the world.”

“After the shambles of the Burton game, that dubious Udoh equaliser in the 99th minute may well be the springboard for better things to come this season.”

“After a composed if unspectacular performance against Cambridge our thoughts moved to the dead rubber game with Crewe in the awfully named Papa Johns Trophy, could this now embarrasing competition get any lower/comical.”

“Both sides made a plethora of alterations their normal line ups, Salop playing without a recognised striker but the formation worked to be fair. The pressure was off both sides and with a lot of squad players wanting to prove themselves, it culminated in one of the most open entertaining games I’ve seen in a long time.”

“Salop were pressing forward at every opportunity, Ryan Barnett and the new hero Shilow “the lunchbox” Tracey causing havoc out wide, it was great to see these young uns playing without fear. Barnetts cross for Alf Stewart’s opener was top notch, but it was Shilows hatrick which understandably took the plaudits. He’s still very raw but his pace was utterly frightening, potentially quicker than owd lightning knickers himself Chris Humphrey and the way he took took his second goal was so composed surely he’s in line for a start Saturday???”

“The game ebbed and flowed, my biggest concern mind is that how fragile we look at the back now, what on earth has happened there?? They look so unsure of each other all of them a shadow of there former selfs. Crewe’s pressing play totally unsettled us it’s a definite worry for us.”

“Saturday’s fixture is absolutely massive for me, a positive result/performance could be a real game changer for us and our feelings on Sam’s future. I know it’s only one game but you feel a win will boost everyone and maybe start everyone pulling in the right direction. Yes I still standby on thinking Ricketts is not the long term man for the job, but we all want Salop to do well and I want to be proved wrong, too many thrive on the negativity and almost enjoy us losing at times I think. I’m as guilty as the next man for being a critic but always want the Town to do well, lets stick together and get these three points Saturday.”

“Man Of The Match was Shilow Tracey, honourable mentions to Ryan Barnett and a returning Sean Goss too who sadly we wont see in any league games. I’m still baffled by this, a midfielder that offers something a bit different and has a touch of class about him but our esteemed leader knows best. Three points Saturday please and Shilow to start.”

“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 FA Cup First Round away game against Cambridge United.

Venue: Abbey Stadium

Competition: FA Cup

Time: 1500

Head to Head record: Played 32, 14 Cambridge United wins, 9 Shrewsbury Town wins, Draws 9.

After last year’s successful cup run, Shrewsbury Town will hope to have another similar but first will have to get a past an impressive Cambridge side. Shrews and Sam Ricketts are in desperate need of a win to bring some confidence back in the team. Dan Udoh’s last minute equaliser on Saturday could have saved Ricketts job for another game so this game is huge for both the team and manager.

Cambridge United manager Mark Bonner has got Cambridge playing some really good football and has got them sitting 2nd in League 2. They are currently unbeaten at home in all competitions so it’s destined to be a very very tough game for Shrewsbury. Striker Paul Mullin has scored 12 goals already this season.

Key Players:

Cambridge United – Paul Mullin

Shrewsbury Town – Ollie Norburn

Predicted XI’s

Cambridge United:

Mitov

Knoyle

Darling

Cundy

Dunk

Hannant

Boateng

Taylor

Hoolahan

Mullin

Ironside

Shrewsbury Town:

Burgoyne

Millar

Pierre

Ebanks Landell

Williams

Daniels

Walker

Norburn

High

Udoh

Cummings

Score prediction: Cambridge United 1-1 Shrewsbury Town. Cambridge win on penalties

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Daz Carding previews today’s League 1 home game against Burton Albion.

Venue: Montgomery Waters Meadow

Competition: League One

Time: 1800

Head to Head record: Played: 14, 5 Shrewsbury Town wins, 4 Burton Albion wins, 5 draws

Shrewsbury Town really do need a result this evening to stop the losing streak they currently find themselves on. Saturday’s game has been and gone, a game against a team on a similar run gives the team a chance to get a result.

Burton Albion have not taken all three points in their last six games and come to Shropshire on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Blackpool.

Key Players:

Shrewsbury Town : Charlie Daniels

Burton Albion : Kane Hemmings

Predicted XI’s

Shrewsbury Town:

Burgoyne

Fossey

Pierre

Ebanks Landell

Daniels

Walker

Norburn

High

Daniels

Udoh

Pugh

Burton Albion:

O’Hara

Daniel

Hughes

Brayford

Eardley

Lawless

Quinn

Edwards

Vernam

Hemmings

Akins

Score prediction: Shrewsbury Town 1 V 0 Burton Albion

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

We asked the Salopian super fan, Bizzy for his thoughts on our League 1 away loss to Peterborough United.

“Beside which Bizzylad want’s to get his owd octopus like paws on some Senorita’s, do they have the plumper spanish sprout??”

“Dear dear me what a depressing time to be a fan of Shrewsbury Town, an utterly bizarre 90 minutes at Posh has set fans opinions on Ricketts at a all time low, it’s fair to say the vast majority 75-80% I would say want a new manager in charge.”

“For parts of Saturday it was very encouraging as we really took it to Peterborough early doors getting the ball forward as often as we could, the bright spot of the day Josh Daniels was a constant menace, why Ricketts sees him as a central player god knows as he’s far more suited out wide and cutting in. Daniel Udoh again with bags of effort although at times he reminds me a little of Fejiri and just lacks that physical presence. Salop were holding their own until individual moments of madness let us down, did Burgoyne call for the ball leading to the penalty?? Shocking defending from our normally realiable back line, Ebanks and Pierre shadows of there former selfs whats gone on?? Are they struggling with just four at the back, I’m unsure but they looked dreadfully weak and lacking in confidence which is a bit of a worry when Aaron is the leader on the field.”

“Salop heads never dropped and equalised almost straight away, Pughy rolling back the years with a delicous ball to Josh Daniels who headed wonderfully into the bottom corner. Would say Salop were on top again pressing forward as we had oppurtunites to add to our total, but bloody basics reared there ugly head again. As another simple punt up the field wasn’t dealt with, Ro-Shaun like his other counterparts at the back in a world of his own allowing the eyecatching Dembele to run through and tuck away unchallenged, utterly criminal defending.”

“The less said about Josh Vela’s challenge the better, two footed and high there was only one outcome and his lack of discipline was nothing short of disgraceful. Apart from flashes of quality from Scotty High the midfield as a whole was short of quality and effectiveness considering the numbers we have in that position its utterly alarming. All far too similar is young Sean Goss that bad a player?? At least he can use the ball and has a bit of style about him, we are far to static and workmanlike there.”

“Second half come and to give Salop their dues we still looked slightly the better side against a Posh side who looked like Fleetwood previously never really got out of first gear. As we pressed forward it was always going to leave gaps but the way we gifted them the goals were unforgivable, Ro-Shaun’s distribution shocking again , what on earth was Burgoyne doing for the 4th?? Inexperience maybe?? But to Harrys credit he kept the score down. Salop heads have totally dropped, Posh were picking at us at will.”

“Luckily it was only 5 at the end still our heaviest defeat in four years plus mind. We are our own worst enemies though all our positive play blown away by unforgivable defensive madness, we were so solid at times last season where’s it gone wrong??”

“As said previously Sam is on borrowed time, I think Salop will scrape a win tomorrow to give him some breathing space, long term as I keep saying its not going to improve sadly while he’s in charge. The one thing we are missing most on and off the field is LEADERSHIP, players looking far to comfortable with what’s happening, doesn’t seem to be a Doig, Hurst or Ogogo figure to kick some arses and raise the spirits when things are going against us. I’m not for one moment saying Hurst should come back thats all past, but god we miss the spirit and togetherness he brought us, as a club we seem to be drifting nowhere at the moment. We need someone to grab the club by the bo####ks and give it a damn good shake, relegation is unthinkable but a huge reality if things stay as they are.”

“Really hope we will be allowed to be back at the Meddah in the spring, the one thing I miss most during a boring 0-0 draw is a game of “spot the udders” usually won by a large buxom blonde sprout in block 14 who will remain nameless.”

“Keep ya heads up and keep supporting the Town during these utterly nonsensical times.”

“Man Of The Match – Josh Daniels”

“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/

Daz Carding previews today’s League 1 away game against Peterborough United.

Venue: Weston Homes Stadium

Competition: League One

Time: 1500

Head to Head record: Played: 56, 19 Shrewsbury Town wins, 19 Peterborough United wins, 18 draws

Shrewsbury Town will be hoping to bounce back from three successive defeats and get back on track today, but will face a tough test against a Peterborough side who have had a good start and only lost twice, currently sitting in fourth place with 19 points.

Key Players:

Peterborough United – Jonson Clarke-Harris

Shrewsbury Town- Charlie Daniels

Predicted XI’s

Peterborough United :

Pym

Thompson

Kent

Beevers

Butler

Brown

Taylor

Ward

Szmodics

Dembele

Clarke-Harris

Shrewsbury Town:

Burgoyne

Fossey

Pierre

Ebanks Landell

Daniels

Walker

Norburn

High

Barnett

Clarke

Pugh

Score prediction: Peterborough United 2-1 Shrewsbury Town

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

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

“There’s no denying my owd girl is a bit flighty, shes humped half of Salop while my backs been turned.”

“Got to be said that the clock is ticking on its final throws for Sam’s tenure-ship at the Meddah, more a case of when not if he will be relieved of his duties.”

“Sad to say it’s just simply not working, some last ditch desperation signing and a last throw of the dice to see if he can save himself. Which in the current corona induced fiscal state, it doesn’t bode well to be at the wrong end of the table even at this early stage, relegation would be an utter disaster but looking at it now its a sad reality. We are simply not playing or functioning as a team, too many individuals in the side, injuries aplenty but why so many though? No real plan or style of play, despite having an infinite number of midfielders on the books it looks as weak and average as I’ve seen it in a long time, workmanlike and sparkless and in the final third we look painfully short of ideas. Only two goals from open play in the league all season is utterly appalling.”

“The squad is disjointed and unbalanced but bizarrely as a collection of individuals its on paper quality wise the best we’ve had in a few years. Ricketts lack of managerial nouse is sadly plain for all to see.”

“The actual game against Fleetwood until the last 20 minutes was a pretty painful affair, luckily the hosts never stepped out of first gear. The conditions didn’t look like they helped mind but as I said previously there was no plan to our play. It was good to see Pughy back in Salop colours but as expected he looked short of match sharpness and was way off the pace. The midfield were frankly very poor, all way too similar in style, Norbs too deep at times again and was Vela actually on the pitch.”

“Man Of The Match easily was Harry Burgoyne, he made some very decent saves. Our desperation compounded by bringing an unfit Clarke on but his presence did unsettle Fleetwood’s back line a bit. Lots of huff and puff and effort but we were missing any real quality up top.”

“Its a case of when Sam goes sadly now and for Brian and Roland its utterly huge they get it right this time, a gaffer with more experience at this level is essential for me. I admire Ricketts for what he’s tried to do, some nice ideas with the B team and he’s working more closely with the academy too but is lack of nouse at third tier level that has proved his downfall. It’s utterly essential Salop don’t go down the cheaper inexperienced route again. Turner (second spell), Mellon, Askey and now Ricketts have all failed at League One level. The Hurst heroics of 2017/18 proved we can compete at this level, with the right man in charge those times could easily come back especially in an average division as it is this season.”

“Ricketts has provided us with some real good times especially in the Cup some unforgettable moments against Wolves, Stoke, Bristol City and the mightiest of them all Liverpool but in the bread and butter games he’s sadly failed and its now sad to say adios my friend.”

“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/

FLEETWOOD TOWN 1 V 0 SHREWSBURY TOWN

Burgoyne 8/10

Kept Town in the game with numerous saves, his best performance in a Town shirt. Easiest Man Of The Match I’ll ever give.

Fossey 4/10

Still very very raw, gets caught of position far too often.

Ebanks Landell 4/10

Whenever he tried to play a pass on the floor he misplaced it, hoofed it at the other team and always came straight back. Looks a shadow of his old self.

Williams 5/10

Had a better game than Ebanks Landell did but still not up to his usual standards, can’t fault his effort though.

Daniels 4/10

Looked so good on Saturday but looked totally unfit tonight, expected though considering he’s not played competitively since July.

Walker 5/10

Gave 100% but wasn’t as good as he has been, the midfield was non existent.

Norburn 4/10

Expected better from the captain, needs to up his game when the whole team needs a lift.

Vela 3/10

Forgot he was playing, was anonymous all game which isn’t what you want from a midfielder.

Barnett 5/10

Did the best he could, looked positive when he had the ball but nothing big fell his way.

Udoh 5/10

Had a better second half, playing long balls up to him all game doesn’t work. Needs a goal to boost his confidence.

Pugh 4/10

Was very quiet, hoped to see him and Daniels link up but it wasn’t to be.

Subs:

Clarke 5/10

The team looked more of a threat when he came on, used his body well to keep the ball.

Daniels 4/10

Tried to play positive but didn’t have many ideas, wouldn’t be surprised to see him go out on loan.

Pierre N/A

Sam Ricketts (Manager) 2/10

Surely only a matter of time before he’s gone, some players don’t seem to want to play for him.

MAN OF THE MATCH : Harry Burgoyne

Sam Northwood

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Sam Northwood previews tonight’s League 1 away game against Fleetwood Town.

Venue: Highbury

Competition: League One

Time: 19:45

Head to Head record: Played 13, Shrewsbury Town wins 2, Fleetwood Town wins 6, Draws 5.

With Sam Ricketts under serious pressure from a lot of Shrewsbury Town fans he will hope that he can pick up some vital points at Highbury. Shrews have only won 2 of the 13 matches played against each other and they both came in the 2017/18 season, both wins came by from late goals, with Toto Nsiala scoring late in the first encounter and Nathan Thomas in the squad fixture. New signing Marc Pugh could start the game on the left hand side alongside Charlie Daniels. Both played together for Bournemouth for a long period of time and also got them promoted to the premier league.

Joey Barton’s side sit 12th in League one after having a very inconsistent start to the season. They showed their quality against Hull when they won 4–1 but they also have lost to Wimbledon at home. Former Town goalkeepers Joel Coleman and Jayson Leutwiler both play for Fleetwood Town but Coleman has a lengthy injury lay off which means Leutwiler will most likely start.

Key Players:

Fleetwood Town – Paddy Madden

Shrewsbury Town- Charlie Daniels

Predicted XI’s

Fleetwood Town :

Leutwiler

Edwards

Connelly

Mulgrew

Andrew

Matete

Whelan

Finley

Camps

Madden

Evans

Shrewsbury Town:

Burgoyne

Fossey

Pierre

Ebanks Landell

Daniels

Walker

Norburn

Vela

Barnett

Clarke

Pugh

Score prediction: Fleetwood Town 1-1 Shrewsbury Town

Sam Northwood

“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 League 1 game against Fleetwood Town, we had a chat with a Fleetwood fan.

What’s your name?

Craig Rainger

Where are you from?

Blackpool born. Exiled to Scotland now for tax reasons….

How long have you supported Fleetwood Town?

8 years, Dad’s a season ticket holder and dragged me to Highbury! Loved it.

Who is your favourite ever Fleetwood player?

David Ball -absolute wizard and scored some pearlers.

Who is your favourite ever Fleetwood manager?

Joey Barton. Never a dull moment, everybody expected him to implode and do terrible. He is doing reasonably well and keeps us above the Donkey Lashers.

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

Saunders – Hope to see him push on and get better and better!

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

Late playoff surge….covid pending!

What do you know about Shrewsbury?

“Up the Shrews”

What do you think the score will be?

2- 2 draw. Shrewsbury to score in the 91st and 95th!

Big thanks to Craig, for answering our questions.

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

We asked the Salopian super fan, Bizzy for his thoughts on our League 1 home loss to Rochdale.

“There was elderly sprouts everywhere clambering for a slice of Bizzylad, I tell ya what if I hadn’t have farted they wudda ripped me head off.”

“Same owd story again at the Meddah, could write these reports on repeat, same shyte every time, lots of pretty football with no end product and some dodgy defending thrown in. Looking at social media it looks to be a definite downturn in Sam’s popularity stakes and his ability to continue long term as Shrewsbury Town manager, these grievances are fully understandable as somethings just not right at the club, in a last ditch bit of desperation theres rumours of Marc Pugh’s return to Salop what do I make of this god knows . Will Captain Mainwaring be next Salops boss because the squad has a certain Dads Army feel to it. As I said in my last report I would give Ricketts till Christmas to improve things, long term it just ain’t going to work.”

“Despite Samuel’s leadership and tactical failings its about bloody time some of the players take a bloody good hard look at themselves too, effort was visibly lacking in a couple of them and how can you blame Ricketts for any individual mistakes. The second goal we gave away Saturday against Rochdale was criminal.”

“This has got to be one of the largest squads I’ve known at the Meddah and it seems a lot of big time players will be on a decent wage, short term paper cracking wont help us in the future as the likes of Clarke, Daniels and the incoming Pugh if true wont be here next season. So sadly it will be a new gaffer and a complete overhaul of players yet again which is alarming to say the least considering the current covid situation.”

“There were plus points Saturday, Charlie Daniels who barely played a game in months was a cut above everyone in a Salop shirt he was literally involved in everything almost a left winger at times but oozed quality in moments. Yet again the football was pleasing to the eye but pretty bloody pointless with no end product, I’ll give Udoh his dues he battled and tried to make things happen but Cummings and Clarke may as well not been on the pitch. Getting very frustrated with Cummings especially, I know he’s not fully comfortable playing where he is but that doesn’t excuse the lack of effort, start putting a bloody shift in owd lad, he always wants an extra touch of the ball too which slows any attacks down. Overall from the odd moments of class finishing he’s been a disappointing signing since hes been here. Once again we weren’t at the races fully in midfield, again at times Norbs was playing too deep and Vela was almost anonymous.”

“Due to our lack of firepower we are always going to be in trouble when we start making mistakes at the back, inexcusable from Pierre for the second, his concentration levels have dropped a bit this season which does make you wonder if everything is happy in the camp.”

“Ricketts is definitely on rocky waters and I can’t see us getting much from the next two away games, do we cut our losses now and relieve Sam of his duties or wait to a little longer to see how things go? There’s some decent gaffers out of work like Paul Cook but why do people automatically assume they would be intrested in coming here? Personally can’t see Cook being a Salop boss if I’m honest , i still think he is holding out for a bigger job.”

“Regardless of what you think of Sam the lads doing his best and doesn’t deserve some of the abuse thrown his way and bloody remember the players need a bloody good look at themselves too. While Sam is gaffer we still need to support the lads, sadly as said I’ll be amazed if he’s gaffer here post Xmas.”

“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/