Zak Jules praised the team spirit in the Shrewsbury Town squad after they beat Aston Villa 2-1 at the Montgomery Waters Meadow.
Jules opened the scoring with a fine header from Bryn Morris’ corner before Arthur Gnahoua doubled the lead, with Henri Lansbury netting a late consolation from the spot for the visitors.
Jules was keen to point out the importance of a good performance, especially in pre-season.
“It’s always good to get a goal and obviously to win, no matter what the circumstances are.
“Some might say it’s only pre-season but it’s good to get into good habits early, and hopefully we can take that into the new season.”
The centre-half admitted that pre-season has been tougher than he’s used to, but he thinks that the work will only be a positive as they go into the season.
“It was tough, it’s been a tough pre-season so far, the gaffer has really put us through our paces, we had a tough week away in Portugal that definitely wasn’t easy.
“I found it a lot harder, it was difficult to adjust to but it’s going to stand me and all of the boys in good stead.”
The spirit within the camp was picked up by Jules as one of the big positives he’s noticed since joining from Reading.
“Everyone seems to be gelling really quickly, there’s no bad eggs in the changing room, everyone gets along, no cliques, and that’s what you need, a lot of positivity.
“It’s a young changing room as well, which is good, so everyone is on the same page.
“It’s important for me to be settled and be able to get my head down and focus on football.”
Jules put in a dominant performance alongside Toto Nsiala – who became a key player last season – and he revealed that their relationship on the pitch has allowed the partnership to flourish on it.
“Me and Toto have a really good relationship off the pitch, we clicked as soon as we met so if you get on off the pitch, and you have a care for eachother, then I really believe that it reflects on the pitch.
“You never want your mate to do badly, and if they make a mistake then you’re on the front foot to clear it all up for him.”