CEO talks about the process of finding a new gaffer
Town CEO Brian Caldwell admits that there is no timescale on the appointment of a new manager, but he has confidence in the club’s loyal support to give full backing to whoever is selected.Town have been without a manager since Micky Mellon’s departure just over a week ago, with goalkeeping coach Danny Coyne in charge during the interim.
Caldwell has explained that whilst it is important to appoint a permanent manager as soon as possible, the widespread interest in the job has slowed the process.
“We are aware that the games are coming thick and fast and we need to appoint as quickly as we possibly can,” Caldwell said.
“We’re still getting CVs and applications in, it is pretty constant, we’re still trying to whittle it down from the 100 or so that we’ve had into some sort of semblance of order.
“I’m still not giving any timetables. It’s been a bit of a crazy week since Micky left, it’s not slowed down, and applications are still coming in thick and fast.”
Caldwell expressed the need for an ambitious manager, and indicated that somebody who may leave for bigger things somewhere down the road would not be a negative.
“I want them to come here, do well and then move on to a higher league, because I want somebody ambitious, and you need to be ambitious to want to move to a higher league.
“We’re looking for somebody who really wants the job, and the passion that we’re all looking for and also that the supporters will be looking for.”
Despite this, Caldwell insists that some of the names that have been mooted – previous Championship managers – may be unrealistic at this time.
“I know for a fact that some of the Championship managers who are out of work at the moment, they’re not necessarily going to come to Shrewsbury, that’s just realistic.
“That’s just being honest, these guys are probably looking for another gig in the Championship. If they come to Shrewsbury and it doesn’t go well, then the chances are that they won’t work in the Championship again.
Caldwell continued: “If it does go well, then there’s still no guarantees that they’ll get picked up.
Caldwell is used to the scenario as he oversaw multiple managerial changes during his eight years at St Mirren, and he believes that this was ensure that Town hire the best possible candidate.
“I believe that my own experience will help the club no matter what, I have confidence in my own ability.
Away from the selection process, Caldwell believes that Town’s loyal following will see whoever is appointed given the maximum backing from the support.
He said: “If you asked 10 Shrewsbury fans who they wanted as the new manager I’m you would get at least five names.
“The Shrewsbury fans in my experience do get behind the team, they are very passionate.”
Caldwell continued: “I was astonished in one of the games, I think we went 3-0 down and the manager didn’t get any form of attack.
“I do know that the Shrewsbury Town fans will back the manager and give them the chance that they need and the backing that they need.”