Michael Appleton has urged his Shrewsbury Town players not to dwell on defeat after their setback against Salford City.
The Salop boss insists his new-look side has enough quality to turn results around despite a difficult start in League Two.
Shrewsbury Slip to Defeat
Town were beaten 3-1 at the weekend, surrendering momentum just a week after earning their first win of the campaign at Barnet. Former Shrewsbury striker Daniel Udoh struck twice for the visitors, either side of a late goal that sealed the contest. Sam Clucas had briefly restored parity in the first half, but the Ammies struck twice in the final eight minutes to condemn Appleton’s side to a fifth league defeat in eight games.
Speaking to BBC Radio Shropshire, Appleton stressed the importance of keeping a balanced outlook.
“There’s no point us feeling too sorry for ourselves – the reality is it is a result but games come thick and fast and things can change very, very quickly. I think there’s enough in there to win games of football at this level, I really do.”
Summer Overhaul
Appleton has overseen significant change at Montgomery Waters Meadow since relegation from League One in May. A dozen new arrivals came through the door during the summer, including experienced striker Chuks Aneke, who signed as a free agent after the window closed.
The manager believes those reinforcements are already beginning to make a difference, even if results have yet to show it on a consistent basis.
“The lads that have come in recently have made a real impact and made us much better, and I hope that continues. If it does and we perform in the same sort of manner, we will pick up lots of points.”
Shrewsbury now turn their attention to a tricky away fixture at Harrogate Town this weekend. With no midweek game, Appleton sees the break as a chance for his squad to recover and reset after a busy opening spell.
Wrtier’s View
Appleton’s measured response reflects the reality of managing a club undergoing transition. Relegation inevitably brings upheaval, and embedding 12 new players takes time. Performances have shown flashes of promise, but results remain the currency by which fans will judge progress.
The upcoming run of fixtures will be crucial: consistency against fellow mid-table sides could quickly lift Shrewsbury into safer territory. With experience in the squad through players such as Clucas and Aneke, Appleton has the tools to stabilise the campaign, but patience from the stands will be just as important as belief on the pitch.
