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 Gillingham, we had a chat with a Gills fan.
What’s your name?
Jon Green.
Where are you from?
Chatham.
How long have you supported Gillingham?
27 years.
Who is your favourite ever Gills player?
‘Super Bob’ Robert Taylor – was simply a class act. A scorer of many outstanding goals and easily the best finisher I’ve witnessed playing for the Gills.
Who is your favourite ever Gillingham manager?
Tony Pulis – Built a real tough to beat squad and added many quality players to it over his 4 years in charge. He took us from a bottom of league two side to a top of league one side which ended up in the Championship.
Who should we watch out for from the current Gillingham team?
Dominic Samuel – a former loanee who has re signed from Blackburn. Scored 2 goals on his 2nd debut in last week’s win over Blackpool including a great finish for the 2nd. High hopes that he could be the goalscorer we’ve been crying out for!
Where do you think you will finish in the league this season?
Realistically a second successive top 10 finish would please most Gills fans. However, i feel the signing of Samuel may well see us gate crashing the play offs places. So i’m going for an optimistic 6th!
What do you know about Shrewsbury?
Having witnessed both games against Shrews last season, Sam Ricketts tried to make you hard to play against. Whalley is a good player on his day & Vela seems a talent. Will be interesting to see how Cummings & Leon Clarke do up top together.
What do you think the score will be?
I’m going for Shrews 1-2 Gills tomorrow with Samuel & Oliver on target.
Sam Northwood previews tomorrow’s League 1 home game against Gillingham.
Venue: Montgomery Waters Meadow
Competition: League One
Time: 15:00
Head to Head record: Played: 67, 25 Shrewsbury wins, 20 Gillingham wins, 22 draws.’
Shrewsbury will play a vastly improved Gillingham side who are fancied to finish at the top end of the table this season. After last weeks draw against Plymouth, Shrewsbury will hope they can finally get their first win of the season. Matija Sarkic and Ryan Sears have now joined the never ending injury list with both players out for 2-3 months which has made Ricketts look into the market for another keeper. It has been said that Ricketts is also looking at a left back and attacking players too. It was also announced that there will be some departures so it’ll be interesting to see who will be left out of the squad tomorrow.
Gillingham currently sit 7th in the table after having a decent transfer window so far, two of which are Kyle Dempsey and Dominic Samuel who will no doubt cause a threat.
We asked the Salopian super fan, Bizzy for his thoughts on our League 1 away game against Plymouth Argyle.
“Arrrhhhh cracking grub to be fair as I settled down to my lamb cutlets, fresh welsh vegetables and minted gravy but a bloody hour I had to wait for the feast. Sorry about the wait the waitress apoligeticaly said. Have you tried a gastric band? I responded.”
“Sensible Bizzylad kicking in today deciding to have a jollop free day with my liver hanging out to dry on the line, with a look on it more angrier than Rose West on her monthly’s.”
“A clear head does have its advantages though it means i can 100 per cent fully concentrate on the footy.”
“Was always going to be a tough one today as we’ve not won there since Jemmo’s winner 19 years back. We are also carrying some knocks, so any kind of positive result would be a step in the right direction.”
“I turned the match on, the sight of Owd Arthur across the road hanging up his washing which containted various pekaboo brasieres, netted stockings and such like. The fact that no sprout has lived there for ten years makes the whole scenario a tad confusing.”
“Anyway back to the game, Salop came flying out of the blocks going at the Pilgrims from the first minute, some great one touch passing, no arguing that young Fossey struggled a bit especially defensively last week but the young loan man was absoutley outstanding today and actually one of our bigger threats going forward and did what was expected of him at the back. Him and the equally impressive Josh Vela stood out like Jimmy Krankies freshly veeted armpits today, both equally worthy of man of the match. It’s great to see Salop going at teams away from home but the only downside was the lack of cutting edge uptop, I’ll say it again Cummings doesn’t look fully happy in his role, I know he played there before with Hibs but he looks isolated and sometimes disintrested at times. We all know what a quality finisher and footballer he can be, theres no excuses this season though he needs to show what he was made of.”
“Salop drifted through the game at times partly due to Scotty High not getting to grips with the tempo of the match, the young un was a quiet un tho. He’s easily been Salop’s star performer so far. Whalley industrious as ever lacked any killer ball sadly another one who needs to step up a bit, Udoh was feeding off scraps at times. Sorry to sound over critical but its been really refreshing watching Salop go at teams this year, just a shame the end product ain’t there at times. If we can sort it (Leon Clarkes little cameo shows he has quality) we could be onto something special this year, very very early days though so any judgments at this embryonic stage should be taken with a pinch of salt.”
“Our injury nightmare continuted with Sarkic’s hamstring injury but fair-play to Harry he looked very composed when he come on and wouldn’t be worried putting him in if needed. Points at Pompey and Plymouth are not to be sniffed out so a massive well done Town, just a tad frustrating knowing it could have been more in both games. We are looking very sound at the back, solid in the middle, just up top we need to improve on. The aquisition of Leon is a step in the right direction, pretty hard to get overly excited with strikers at the Meddah as it’s become a graveyard for some over the years. Service is key so it’s time for messers Whalley and Cumdog to step up to the plate.”
“Definitely heading in the right direction under Sam since the change of tactics though, if it fails at least he tried and least we are not dying of boredom.”
“Im off to butter my Aunt Irene’s cheeks and use the buxom owd minx as a toast rack.”
“Keep the faith”
“Love and jollops Biz”
Be sure to follow our resident Shrewsbury Town super fan on Twitter @Bizzylad
Made an unbelievable double save which turned out to be massive, shame about his injury but didn’t look too serious.
Fossey – 5/10
Improvement on last week, still not 100% on him yet but showed decent signs. Got caught out of position numerous times again.
Williams – 6/10
Can see the improvement in his game week on week, still think EEL and Pierre are the best partnership, but Ro-Shaun still has a big future ahead.
Pierre – 6/10
Looked solid all game again without being extraordinary, didn’t give the Plymouth strikers a sniff.
Golbourne – 6/10
Another decent performance by Golbourne, wants to do a little bit more in the games he plays if he wants to keep his place if a new left back comes in.
Walker – 7/10
Another good performance by Walker, looks 10 times the player he was last season, at this rate we will be very lucky to keep hold of him if he continues the way he’s going.
High – 6/10
Looked calm and composed on the ball again, not as good as had been but still a very good performance.
Vela – 8/10
Was very good, a brilliant goal which was deserved, made some great passes and looked to be at his best.
Whalley – 6/10
Made some very good runs, could have passed a little bit more when he decided to shoot but hoping he can stay fit all season.
Cummings – 5/10
Not the best of performances by Cummings, was isolated out wide and the game didn’t fit his needs, was very quiet and drifted out the game as it went on.
Udoh – 5/10
Struggled on his own up top, couldn’t fault his work effort but just didn’t get the luck today.
Subs:
Burgoyne – 6/10
Made some good saves when he came on, looked more confident than he did against Middlesbrough.
Clarke – 6/10
Made some nice touches and got into some goos positions, will definitely score goals for us if he’s fully fit and his head is in it.
Norburn – 6/10
After Norburns heartbreaking last week or so it’s great to see him back, can notice the difference in midfield when he’s playing.
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 away at Plymouth Argyle, we had a chat with an Argyle fan.
What’s your name?
James Biggs
Where are you from?
Paignton
How long have you supported Plymouth?
Since childhood, first game was in the mid eighties.
Who is your favourite ever Argyle player?
Tommy Tynan, an obvious answer but he was my first football hero and a goal machine.
Who is your favourite ever Plymouth manager?
Paul Sturrock, as he delivered the most successful rise in my lifetime.
Who should we watch out for from the current Plymouth team?
Danny Mayor is the obvious choice and you’ll see 2 or 3 men on him whenever he gets the ball.
Where do you think you will finish in the league this season?
We really are hard to predict. Head says mid table, heart hopes for a potential play off push if we can sort out our leaky defence.
What do you know about Shrewsbury?
Nice club, wish I’d managed to visit Gay Meadow. Not so desperate to visit the new ground. Remember playing you in 2001 when 3 sides of our ground were being rebuilt and Mick Heathcote playing for you.
Sam Northwood previews tomorrow’s League 1 away game against Plymouth Argyle.
Venue: Home Park
Competition: League One
Time: 1500
Head to Head record: Played: 51, 15 Shrewsbury wins, 17 Plymouth wins, 19 draws
Shrewsbury will be heading to Plymouth to try and prove the defeat last weekend was just a blip. After the great success of fans being allowed in last weekend it was a shame that no fans will be allowed at all now for the time being. Salop have been seriously unlucky with injuries so far this season with Ryan Sears, Ethan Ebanks Landell, Brad Walker, Sean Goss, Dave Edwards, Josh Daniels and Rekeil Pyke all on the injury list. Town have had a boost with experienced goalscorer Leon Clarke coming in who previously worked with Ricketts in their Wolves days. I think it may be too early for Clarke to start this weekend. My opinion is that Ryan Barnett will start tomorrow after impressing in the EFL Trophy, I think Ricketts would like to have Cummings to bring off the bench in the second half as there won’t be much options to choose from due to injuries.
Newly promoted Plymouth currently sit 6th in the league after a decent start. They beat a much fancied Blackpool team 1-0 in the opening game which was followed up by a 4-4 draw against Wimbledon. Plymouth have made 10 signings this window so it’s a new look side to the team that gained promotion. They’ve got one ex town player in their squad which is former loanee Niall Canavan who played for Shrews in 2011.
Key Players
Plymouth Argyle – Danny Mayor
Shrewsbury Town – Aaron Pierre
Predicted XI’s
Shrewsbury Town:
Sarkic
Love
Pierre
Ebanks Landell
Golbourne
High
Norburn
Vela
Whalley
Udoh
Barnett
Plymouth Argyle:
Cooper
Aimson
Wootton
Watts
Macleod
Edwards
Grant
Mayor
Cooper
Nouble
Hardie
Score prediction: Plymouth Argyle 1-1 Shrewsbury Town
Martin Wall looks at what happened in the world of Shrewsbury Town in the past 7 days up to 20th September.
Well first off I would like to congratulate the hard work that Brian and all the staff had put in for preparations for our pilot test match, 1 of 7 in the EFL. Shrewsbury always seem to be the first in recent years and yet again Brian made it happen. How bigger clubs have not sniffed the guy out I will never know. You talk about key players for clubs but he would be a bigger loss than anyone. A shrewd guy who listens to the fans base, reacts to feedback and gets the club making money and running at a profit. The way the current climate is we can be proud to be in a stable position. The same can’t be said for many clubs up and down the country and sadly Macclesfield have fallen fowl again. A lot lies with the EFL fit and proper ruling but someone with a smart business plan is key. Roland has already been an asset for years and I can really see Brian being the perfect candidate to take over as chairman one day.
Must also congratulate the 1,000 fans who turned up and played their part of the test working. A credit to the club and they didn’t let anyone down, shame the result didn’t match but after the news announced 24 hours earlier prior to the game that was irrelevant.
That sadly brings us onto the news of Ollie Norburn, our skipper. I am not even going to imagine what the Norburn family are going through in their difficult time after the loss of his new born but a small comfort is he will have all the support from his teammates and fans far and wide. The love I had seen towards him shows us that we are a family club to be proud of and once again came out on social media to show our support for our skipper and his family.
Me personally, I decided to change my profile picture linked up to my social media pages and website to a picture of our skipper and I was pleased to see so many Town fans did the same for the weekend so thank you. To all Town fans we may of lost a game of football but the messages of support to the news on Friday and also getting fans back to some sort of normality was the best thing to come from the past week so well done Town. Proud to be a Shrew.
Having watched the game back on Tuesday morning I really struggled to work out how we ended up with zero points. Northampton missing up to 10 players were there for the taking and even though we had a few players missing ourselves I believe we had enough quality out there especially on the back of two good away performances to go and get the 3 points. 1 point would of been a fair reflection but if we had sneaked a 2-1 win Northampton couldn’t have too many complaints. Apart from the opening 20 minutes Town had more procession and chances to win the game and look very comfortable without threatening too much. I believe the loss of Pierre and Norburn plus the early injury in the first minute to Ebanks Landell would of played on their minds but Northampton seemed happy to play long after 12 minutes when they took the lead. I thought Cummings and Whalley looked very dangerous and were our best two players, Sarkic hadn’t gone from hero to zero in a week. I believe they were there for the taking after Whalley equalised. But saying that goals change games and it certainly did as it gave Northampton something to cling onto and they did it well frustrating Town to long balls in the final 20 mins.
Overall I thought Town looked better than last season and deserved something but it wasn’t to be and I believe it’s too soon to start getting on at the manager. A game where we didn’t make the most of our opportunities and a mistake had cost us, something Sam can’t control. He’s changed the formation and one or two are still getting to grips with it. Once the players are up to full speed and we get our injured players back we can judge the season around December. The transfer window is still open so time to see some activity, maybe another striker and left back.
We asked the Salopian super fan, Bizzy for his thoughts on our EFL Trophy game against Newcastle United.
“I had the tighest underbriefs on ever, my testicles had a canny resemblance to two boiled eggs in a cycling sock.”
“Arguably one of the most irrelevant competitive games in our history today, after the news of crowds not being allowed anytime soon my sadness felt deeper than Fatima Whitbread’s voice box. Behind closed doors in a daft competition against a Premiership youth team, what is the bloody point.”
“Todays crushing news regarding stadiums and fans could have big repercussions for lower league sides, a worryingly possible six month wait with fans in grounds. Even a club as well run as Salop will struggle to get through this, some serious talks regarding bailouts will be needed.”
“Anyway back to the footy, the stream I had was very decent so settled down to view with assorted nibbles and lemon tea.”
“The game went as expected, Salop were far superior physically and mentally against the Geordie kids. Sarkic between the sticks barely touched the ball all 90 minutes, the back four did what was asked of them against very limited opponents. I’m just praying young Ryan Sears’ injury ain’t as bad as its feared, looked so innocuous and he was having a decent game too. The pre season injury list is a major concern, and due to corona we are going to have to be physically tight so dont expect any big major incomings, the loan market to the rescue maybe. Left back is an utter must in my mind.”
“Our midfield understandably bossed proceedings tonight, again just hoping Brad Walker’s injury isn’t bad either. Once again the pick of the bunch was Scotty High, the lad looks a real star in the making with all the injury problems we can be alright if he stays fit, very intelligent and busy player constantly looking for a through ball. I think Salop’s fortunes for this season will largely rest on this lad performing, a big ask for a lad of his junior years but he’s the real deal, a top talent. Very pleased also with the contribution of Ryan Barnett, after watching the lad for the youth team I’ve been dying for the lad to get his chance. It was good to see a Salop lad running at opposition with real pace, it’s been a rarity in recent times, the lad is a great squad option and wouldn’t have no qualms at chucking him in the starting eleven. Also the Cumdog put a bloody good shift in tonight, there’s more to his game than goals which he took well by the way. He seemed more comfy tonight obviously helped by the inferior standard of the visitors. Dan Udoh looked a bit unsure at times, big few games for him coming up and I would expect him to start Saturday but its time to start proving himself.”
“All in all it was a professional performance, a confidence booster and good workout for some of the squad lads.”
“Plymouth away Saturday and with the squad so thin I’m a bit concerned we might get out muscled a bit at Home Park, if owd Brad is missing I’m worrying a bit.”
“I really don’t think I can stomach watching the majority of Town’s season online, its bloody torture. I may have to start watching local games elsewhere with Dunny on the wireless in me lobes. Last Saturday’s return to the Meddah has wetted me appetite big time, for it to be taken away only three days later is gut wrenching. So flat at the moment, how do people not go to the games and listen at home, it would drive me mental.”
“Before I go a special mention to two Salopian’s who played tonight. Firstly Ollie Norburn, the poor lad must have been going through hell the last couple of days, your bravery and strength is utterly brilliant, so heartwarming go see you play tonight and I had a little tear in my eye. The whole Salopian family are behind you and thinking of you, god bless you skipper your already a Salop legend in my eyes. Also young Tom Bloxham who is one of youngest players ever to make a senior debut for Shrewsbury Town, a player I first saw for the youths last season vs Blackpool in the game where Charlie Caton got four, another player to keep your eye on. Another proud moment for Salop’s ever blossoming academy, bloody great to see.”
“Up the Town”
“Love and jollops Biz”
Be sure to follow our resident Shrewsbury Town super fan on Twitter @Bizzylad
Going Down The Oteley Road 