Shrewsbury Town

After almost a third of this first season in League One I have had time to reflect on the preparation and hard work which has gone in to developing a squad that is capable of delivering a consolidated position in this league come the end of the season.  No-one at the club entered into this campaign with rose-coloured spectacles expecting to be able to dominate the other teams from the start.  We have had some encouraging matches where we have won or drawn, but have also suffered from the  hardship of conceding early and  late goals and missed chances that have cost us valuable points.  I feel our present league position is not a true reflection of the team’s performances at this point in time.

Confidence in football is essential and if a side lacks that characteristic for a period of time it can be difficult for the quality of players we have to perform at the highest level expected of them.   We announced pre-season that the finances would be available, upon request, for the investment in improving the squad through this first season in League One.  That remains the case.  Graham has given his selected squad opportunities to play at this level and he will assess the future prospects of individuals over the coming weeks.  The January transfer window will offer an opportunity for us to look again at procuring the right calibre of player to cement our place in this division.  This season is one of learning and consolidation.  Many of the teams we face have a pedigree of playing at League One or higher over a number of seasons.  There are no pushovers.   As we have found, there is little between the quality of the sides in this league, and that includes our own club.

The Board, like all our supporters, would have loved to be in contention near the top of the table at this stage of the season, however, a run of results, good or bad, can change attitudes and affect the confidence of all involved with the club, playing or supporting.  The important factor is to be realistic about this first season and not to have expectations that are exaggerated and unlikely to be achieved without a spectacular run of results – but how I wish for that to occur!

I would ask all supporters of this club of ours to be patient and support the manager and players in these first ventures in League One.  By the middle of the season we should have a more considered view of where we stand in the pecking order in this league, what adjustments need to be made to the squad, what the realistic goals are for the remainder of the season.

I have said before that I will not put the future financial status of this club in jeopardy, but equally there is an appropriate funding strategy available to the manager to strengthen this squad, as he sees fit, to ensure our longevity in this league; a position we have striven so hard to achieve over the past 16 years and to serve as a platform for future promotion.

Thank you for your continued support.