Shrewsbury Town manager Gareth Ainsworth believes his team have no fear when it comes to avoiding relegation from League One this season.
The Shropshire-based have been transformed since the former Wycombe Wanderers boss replaced Paul Hurst in November. They have lost just three of their eight games since the turn of the year and are currently unbeaten in three.
Impressive wins over the likes of Wrexham, Mansfield Town and Rotherham United in recent weeks have seen the Shrews move off the foot of the table. They head into tomorrow’s clash with Bolton Wanderers in 21st, just three points from safety.
Ainsworth Hails Shrewsbury Performances
The transformation in Shrewsbury since the festive period has been a joy to watch. Their three defeats this year have all come on the road and all been by a narrow 1-0 scoreline, reflecting the work that Ainsworth has done at the defensive end of the pitch.
They haven’t conceded more than once in a game since before Christmas when they drew 2-2 with Wigan Athletic. Salop now face two tough home games against Bolton and Huddersfield Town, but the 51-year-old has revealed that he has prepared his side for further blips. Speaking to The Shropshire Star, he said:
“You never know what will happen. I said to the boys the other day we will prepare for things to come off the rails and then get back on.
“I don’t know when that will happen, hopefully it doesn’t but be prepared for it. Let’s have the tools in the bag to get this over the line.
“Where we are sitting right now is really nice. When I came in my aim was to perform at a level where we weren’t going to be in the bottom four in performance levels.
“I think we are out of the bottom four in performance levels and now it is about picking up those points we missed out on earlier in the season.
“Can we get above that line? I really believe we can. It is going to go right to the wire. I believe that too. But I’m really enjoying it.”
Writer’s View
Gareth Ainsworth has built a career out of making teams tough to beat and that is exactly what he has done at Shrewsbury. Not many would have given them a chance of avoiding relegation a couple of months ago, but there are few that would bet against them now. If they can pick up positive results against Bolton and Huddersfield, they really will be the team to watch towards the bottom end of the table.
