Elliott Bennett sat down with Salop to discuss his return to the club after signing a new one-year deal.
A hugely popular figure at Croud Meadow, Elliott returns having been released by the previous management team at the end of last season.
As well as impressing on the field, Elliott has also proven to be an inspirational figure away from the pitch and was recently named a community champion by the PFA for the work he has done supporting the Shrewsbury Town Foundation.
Benno discussed his return, winning the PFA Community Champion award and his work with the Shrewsbury Town Foundation
ON HIS RETURN TO THE CLUB:
"I met the chairman (Roland Wycherley MBE) and (director of football) Micky Moore at the stadium and then spoke to the manager (Matt Taylor).
"Everything they said was all really positive so I couldn't wait to come back. I'm delighted to be here and have another season at my home county club."
ON HOW THE MOVE BACK CAME ABOUT:
“The chairman spoke to [Dan] Udoh I think.
"I came in and met Micky Moore and the chairman, had a good chat with them and they made it clear that they’d like to bring me back.
"The head coach (Matt Taylor) came in and I was thinking 'well I don’t know if he fancies me as a player to come back' but as soon as I spoke to him [he was] really positive and enthusiastic about me coming back into the group.
"I know all of the lads, I know the club and I’ve loved playing for the club the past two years, so yeah, [I'm] delighted to get it done and delighted to be back here.”
ON LAST SEASON:
"[It was] frustrating that I had a couple of injuries. Obviously, that’s what happens in football, it's part of it, I'm big enough and ugly enough to understand that.
"The season was good I think from a team point of view. We finished the season in a good position but it’s a new season, everyone starts back on zero and you go again.
"We have to do all of the hard work in pre-season. I’ve only been in for one day and it was hard this morning!
"You get the work done in pre-season and when the season starts [you have] to be ready to go and give it your all for the 46 league games and however many cup games you play.”
ON WINNING THE PFA COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD:
“Yeah, I'm really pleased, it’s nice to be recognised for anything.
"I don’t try and help in the community to be recognised for anything, it’s to help and give back to the people who come and watch you and build a rapport with fans and the wider community.
"Obviously [I'm] delighted to receive the award, but it's something I enjoy doing and hopefully now I'm staying for another year I can do a bit more of it.”
ON CONTINUING HIS WORK WITH THE SHREWSBURY TOWN FOUNDATION:
“It’s really important.
"First and foremost I’m here to be a player, I know what I've got to try and play as many games as I can and do well for the team.
"If I’m not playing [I will] try and help the younger players in the squad try and help them in any hard situations and difficult situations.
"Obviously second to that is being a good person in and around the community and giving back to the community.”
