New Shrewsbury Town manager Gareth Ainsworth has spoken of how he intends to turn Salop’s season around, as reported by The Shropshire Star.
Ainsworth takes charge of his new side for the first time against title favourites Birmingham City.
Defending From The Front
The former Wycombe Wanderers manager is looking to start by tightening up a porous defence that has so far conceded 27 goals so far this season, almost two per game.
“I think we’ve conceded way too many goals. And that’s absolutely not aimed at anyone except Shrewsbury Town as a whole, we have to be better.”
Ainsworth doesn’t lay the play solely at the door of the defence, insisting he will have his entire team performing their defensive duties.
“I defend from the front, I’ll defend with all the players on the pitch, and so it’s not just one person, it’s not four people, it’s the whole team, we need to be more solid as an outfit, and that’s something that I’m working on…”
Not An Easy Week
Following his appointment last week, Ainsworth has had to contend with the snow that has taken some of the sessions into the classroom and off the grass.
“…it’s been tough to get on the grass this week so we’re doing it on screens.”
“Hopefully, the boys are visual learners, but kinesthetic learners, those who like to actually do it, that’s what a lot of footballers are.”
Plenty To Work On, Positives To Build On
As Salop sit rock bottom of the League One table, there is plenty for the 51-year-old to work on.
“Negatives is a strong word. It’s things I believe that the boys can be better at.”
“I think some people have tried things they’re not good at, some people maybe playing in positions that they’re not good at.”
“For me, it’s just about going forward now, and there are huge positives here, there really are.”
“Now if I can look at them and improve them, then we’ll have some good players, especially going forward.”
Writer’s View
Ainsworth has taken on a huge challenge attempting to get Shrewsbury to safety and will need to call on all his experience.
His Wycombe team were known for being hard to break down and awkward to play against and if he can bring a little of that to Salop they may have a chance.
A primary school teacher turned writer, Tom has been part of The Real EFL for two years. He focuses on predictions, deep dives, and insightful content.
