John Askey talks about the signing of Alex Gilliead on a two-year deal
Shrewsbury Town boss John Askey is pleased to secure another one of his top targets in winger Alex Gilliead.
The right-sided midfielder joins as a free agent after leaving his boyhood Club Newcastle United.
“He’s one who I hope will excite the crowd, he can get the ball and he can beat people and he’s quick.
“He’s someone who the Club has been looking at for quite a while, and other Clubs have too. I know that there were one or two Clubs in for him who are in the first division.
“He’s elected to come to us which is really good because he wants to play games, so from that point of view it’s a good signing.
“We’re looking for people to improve us and I think Alex can do that, he’s got quality. He’s got a good record of appearances for a lad of his age.
John is pleased the winger already has experience at League One level despite being only 22 and is hopefully he can bring that familiarity into the team. “You look at lads and their ages and how many games they have played,” Askey said.
“It limits the chance of failure. I think people will be pleased with the signing. If they watch clips of him they will realise what he can do.
“There is nothing better than seeing a wide man go past people and get crosses in.
“All teams need players who can go past men. We haven’t got loads of players who can do that so it’s important to bring someone in who’s got pace and the ability to go either way.
“With the players that we have got I’m sure he will fit in well. We’re spoilt for choice in some ways but we’re lucky that the players we have got can play on either wing.”
The former England Under-20 international will be available to John for Town’s Pre-Season campaign starting with Kidderminster after putting pen to paper on a two year deal.