Gaffer looks ahead to local derby friendly
Shrewsbury Town boss John Askey believes that the next two pre-season games will be important as preparation goes up another gear ahead of the big kick-off on 4th August.
Town take on AFC Telford United at the New Bucks Head on Wednesday night and follow that up with another local derby against Port Vale on Saturday.
“Now you start getting to the nitty gritty and you start to work on your tactics and the organisation of the team, set-pieces and so on”, said John.
“I don’t think they (previous friendlies) will have had the same intensity that you are going to have when you start the season, but I’m sure the next couple of games, especially the Port Vale game, will be more like a proper game.”
John is planning on using Wednesday night’s game as a chance to experiment and have a look at his new signings.
“It’s about getting players games, especially the ones who’ve not featured as much”, said Askey.
“It’s about getting minutes, giving one or two of the younger ones a chance, and hopefully players can gain confidence, but the main priority is Saturday against Port Vale and then the following game.
“It gives players such as Josh (Laurent) and Charlie (Colkett) a chance to get some minutes under their belts, which they haven’t had so far.”
When asked about whether bragging rights would be on the line tomorrow night, Askey was adamant in his response.
“For Shrewsbury Town I think supporters should be confident enough with where they are in the league compared with where Telford are”, John said.
“I think the bragging rights will always be with Shrewsbury and long may it continue. I think when you are in League One and the other team are in the Conference North, I don’t think you have to worry too much about bragging rights.”