Manager's thoughts ahead of Shrimps test
Manager Micky Mellon has ensured that Shrewsbury Town have the spirit needed for a victory when Morecambe visit the Greenhous Meadow on Saturday.Town sit third in the Sky Bet League 2 table ahead of this weekend's game against the Shrimps (3pm kick-off) and only four points behind league leaders Wycombe Wanderers.
Micky’s side were held to a goalless draw at Cambridge United last Saturday, but the Town boss is positive that his team has the fight within themselves to get back to winning ways.
“We’ll get them (the players) ready and fired up and they will be looking forward to a home game for the first time in what seems like a long time now," said Micky.
“We’ve certainly showed that spirit so far this season but you have got to be like that every week so we won’t take that for granted."
Micky knows that the Morecambe game will not be an easy one, with Jim Bentley's side sitting tenth in the table.
“I know Jim Bentley and Ken McKenna very well, they will have their team really up for the task of coming to Shrewsbury, so we know that we have to be somewhere near our best to get something from the game," said Micky.
“Morecambe are a good side in their own right and they will come here fired up and ready to take us on.
“They do get good results because they have a way of getting their players up and at it. They are always very well organised because they are two very good coaches.”
Micky has also provided information on the injury front.
“We’re just assessing a few of them now so we’ll know a little bit more about them over the next two days, but it’s not something that is a massive concern because we’ve got a good squad," he said.
“Jayson (Leutwiler) got a bang on the hip in the warm up (at Cambridge) and he got hit again during the game so he was struggling at half-time, but we’ve got an able replacement. If we need to bring in Mark (Halstead) then we’ll be happy to do that.
“He (Halstead) hasn’t had a chance this season but he’s a good goalkeeper in his own right so he’s probably chomping at the bit for an opportunity.”
Australian midfielder James Wesolowski has a hamstring injury and Micky said: “There’s no way he’ll be available for the weekend, he might be a few more weeks yet.”
Town will be buoyed by the potential return of striker Andy Mangan who will “hopefully be available for the squad this weekend,” according to Micky.
And Micky knows the struggle of the busy Christmas schedule but believes the crowd can help his side through it.
He said: “It’s the holiday period so you get that extra little bit of atmosphere because people are probably coming home for Christmas to the area and their families are coming to the games so it’s a really enjoyable part of the season.
“It’s very busy for the footballers of course and the management staff, but I wouldn’t know what to do without it to be honest.”