Eric enjoying new role at the club
Eric Steele, the former Manchester United goalkeeping coach, is happy to have the chance to repay Graham Turner by helping out at Shrewsbury Town for a couple of weeks.
Steele, who had five years at Old Trafford before following Sir Alex Ferguson out of the club this summer, has never forgotten that it was the Town boss who gave him his first break as a goalkeeping coach when he was in charge at Wolves.
That's why Steele was pleased to help Town out after last week's departure of goalkeeping coach Gavin Ward to Championship club Nottingham Forest.
Steele held his first training session with Town yesterday and will be in again tomorrow while he advises GT on his search for a long-term replacement for Ward.
Steele said he was happy to be involved at Shrewsbury given the respect he clearly has for Graham Turner.
"In 1988 I left the game at 34, my choice, when I was at Derby," recalled Steele. "I went into a pub/restaurant, 21 staff, but it gave me the opportunity to start my coaching career which I had always wanted to do.
"Graham was the first one that rang. He had Mark Kendall, who had possibly been injured, and Wolves were in all sorts of competitions so he said could I possibly come in and work the goalkeepers.
"That really was the advent of part-time goalkeeping coaches so I've always been grateful to Graham for the chance."
Steele relished being on the Sundorne Castle training ground yesteday when he put Chris Weale, Joe Anyon, the club's England under-17 international goakeeper Callum Burton and also talented local lad Harry Lewis through their paces.
Harry is the grandson of Town goalkeeping legend Ken Mulhearn and will join the club as a first year scholar next summer when he leaves Meole Brace School.
"I always like to see a good cross section," said Steele. "You've got the first team boys, Chris and Joe, and Callum and young Harry.
"His grandad was a great ambassador - I think I actually played against Ken.
"It was nice to be back working on the field. I love it, that's why I do it. It's not for the money, you do it for the love of the game, which is what I've always had.
"I'll do this week and then we'll probably talk about next week. Then I've got commitments to start again with one or two bits and pieces, but hopefully by then I might have found Graham somebody.
"We'll see - I'll just enjoy the time while I'm here."