Marcus Braddock takes his weekly look at all things Shrewsbury Town
The last couple of weeks at Shrewsbury Town haven't offered much to write about with a free Saturday and then a 0-0 draw the following Friday at Lincoln. What am I to write about with so little going on? First of all I was disappointed to hear that Callum Lang was going to be out of action for three months, which means he'll be missing until the latter part of January at least. It's a real shame for him and us as I thought he was settling in nicely but when he comes back it'll be like getting a new striker.
We've also said goodbye to another striker in the form of Steve Morison, who retiring to join Northampton as a coach. I wasn't expecting to be two strikers down after a quiet period but at least it gives me something to talk about. I noticed on Twitter of Facebook that one or two fans were saying his legs have gone, which is an odd phrase. The last time he played for us was against AFC Wimbledon and he had his legs then so he must have lost them on the way home. Maybe somebody handed them in somewhere but where would you hand in a pair of ownerless legs? How on earth would you get there without the correct limbs to propel you? I only hope he can find them before starting his new job, imagine the banter!
This week we have a rare treat, home games on both Tuesday and Saturday! On Tuesday we welcome Gillingham, a team just a couple of points below us. Last season we managed a 2-2 draw at home to the Gills and our home record against them in the last five years has seen us draw twice more. We've only beaten them once at home in that time whilst our away record has seen us win three and draw two.
Their form has been patchy this season with just three wins in Skybet League One, all of which were at home. So they'll have to win their first away game of the season if they're going to take the points tomorrow night.
Sunderland visit on Saturday afternoon and they've lost their last two away games in League One. They've only lost three times on the road this season in League One but they do have a couple of Premier League scalps under their belts having beaten both Burnley and Sheffield United away in the League cup.
So it's a short Monday article this week but we have plenty to look forward to.
COYB!!!
Marcus