Shrewsbury Town

Striker looks ahead to facing his former boss

Shrewsbury Town striker Ivan Toney is hoping to win back his place in the team for Tuesday night’s game with Sheffield United
Toney missed the game against Walsall due to suspension, but has impressed so far this season scoring four goals.
Ivan admitted that it will be a big week for him personally as he comes up against his former manager and club in the space of five days.
“I’m enjoying my time here and looking forward to playing tomorrow against my old manager,” Ivan told the press.
“I’ve obviously got my old manager tomorrow and my old team on Saturday so it’s a big week for myself and I’m looking forward to getting it started tomorrow.
“I’m enjoying every second of my time here. It’s football so I enjoy it wherever I am, but obviously at the moment it is here and I’m enjoying training, games and being around the lads.
“It’s a good experience for myself and long may it continue,” added Ivan.

Sheffield United come into the game on an 8 match unbeaten run, but Toney sees no reason why Town can’t win the game.
“I’m sure anyone can beat anyone,” said Ivan,
“Whether they are doing well and we are doing badly, anything can happen in football. It could go either way.
“Obviously they are on top form at the moment. I think they won 4-nil at the weekend, so they will be going into the game flying, but we are at home, we’ve got home support so hopefully we can get the win.”

Ivan played under Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder at Saturday’s opponents Northampton and he credits Wilder for kick-starting his career.
“He was the one that pushed me,” admitted Toney.
“He took me a long way when I was with him, so obviously I’m thankful for that, but I want to score against him tomorrow for Shrewsbury.
“He’s a great guy. Him and Alan Knill (Assistant Manager) gave me a chance and I took it and I’m progressing my career.
“The first time he started me in a match was against Dagenham and I scored two goals to help Northampton win that match. He then played me against Oxford and I scored in that game too to keep the club up.”
“He’s helped me a lot. He kept on telling me what I needed to improve on in ever training session and I took it on board and manager to get a move to Newcastle from that, so I’m very grateful.”

Town have struggled for wins in recent weeks, but Ivan believes the side aren’t too far away from where they need to be and thinks it’s important that the players stick together.
“It is a tough time, but the lads have stuck together no matter what has been going on manager wise,” Toney continued.
“The lads keep giving their all on and off the pitch and I’m sure it will turn around at some point. We are all professional footballers and we all stick together as a team.
“Coyney has come in and he’s kept the lads on track and kept everyone together as a team. He’s doing a great job, but obviously the results aren’t going are way.
“If we cut out the mistakes then you don’t know where we would be in the league, but with how it’s gone and we are near the bottom. So, it’s up to the team to turn it around, starting against Sheffield United.”