Gaffer takes positives from JPT win over Latics
Manager Micky Mellon took many positives from his side's 2-0 victory over Oldham Athletic in the first round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.Goals from Liam McAlinden and Tyrone Barnett either side of half time ensured that the hosts eased through to the next round of the competition.
And Mellon was satisfied with what he saw after enduring a difficult period.
“It has been a tough few weeks for a lot of reasons but it was important that we got back onto the football pitch tonight,” the 43-year-old stated.
“We tried to get something going in terms of a result and I think we did that. We probably needed that game tonight for several reasons and I'm delighted with a first clean sheet.”
James Wesolowski and Nathaniel Knight-Percival both returned to the squad following lengthy spells on the sidelines with knee ligament injuries.
And it was almost as if they had never been away from the side, with the pair producing impressive performances.
“We got Nathaniel and Weso through. Great credit to them and the fitness staff for getting them into that condition.
“They were terrific. We know how big a loss they have been to us so to have them back is absolutely fantastic.”
There were, however, some mixed feelings following the departure of Ryan Woods to Brentford.
Woods signed a three-year deal with the Bees earlier in the day and Mellon admitted to having contrasting emotions about the youngster's exit.
“I'm delighted for the boy. He has been nothing but terrific since I came in when he was a little ginger snotty kid in the corner,” the Scotsman added.
“He just blossomed into this terrific footballer with a lot of hard work, drive and desire. I'm delighted that he's a Championship player.
“Of course, I'm gutted for us as a club that we have to lose such a huge talent like that. But I'm realistic, that's just the way it is in football. We'd never stand in any player's way.”
Nevertheless, an upbeat and defiant Mellon insisted that losing players such as Woods and Connor Goldson does not suggest a decrease in ambition at the club.
“We've lost terrific talent from the club but we'll continue to try and develop the players we have- we're no less ambitious than what we were before.
“We still want to keep moving this club forward, driving on the players we have here and bringing in more players to improve things.
“These sales have brought money into the club- that can't be underestimated. The players have bounced back tonight and the club will move on.”
Shrewsbury have managed to bring in one new face, with Fulham midfielder Larnell Cole joining on loan until January.
And Mellon believes that Cole will prove to be an excellent acquisition.
“He's a lad I knew at Manchester United. I spent a lot of time watching him and I know him very well. He has always been someone who I have kept half an eye on.
“He has pace and is a good talent. He's anxious to play football and will come right into the group as we have lost a number of players.”
Town's focus now turns to Saturday's match at Mellon's former club Barnsley, where they will be looking to claim their first league win this season.
“First and foremost, it's important that we try and get the victory. We need to win for many reasons.
“We're a club that expects to win games of football. People don't enjoy losing games of football here. I like that- I don't want defeats or performances that don't entertain supporters.
“It's an important game- we must continue to improve and keep moving forward.”