Football Season Guide

Last season was difficult for Shrewsbury. They were second from bottom when Sam Ricketts was sacked in November. New boss Steve Cotterill led a recovery but was absent from January onwards after contracting Covid-19. He continued to select the team and provide advice to assistant manager Aaron Wilbraham. The Shrews stayed clear of the relegation zone as the season came to an end despite six losses in their last eight games. There has been a clear out of the squad during the close season. The most significant departures are number one keeper Sarkic and mercurial attacking midfielder Chapman. Sarkic has been replaced by Marosi, who started last season as first choice at Coventry before picking up an injury. Pennington has joined permanently after a good loan spell at the Shrews last season. Leahy and Nurse provide much-needed cover at full-back. Bennett is an experienced campaigner while striker Bowman has a point to prove. The Shrews squad still looks thin and Cotterill wants to add a few more players. Left wing-back Nathanael Ogbeta was a standout player last season and has been linked with a move away. Shrewsbury recorded some impressive away victories after Cotterill’s appointment last season but all campaign they struggled at home, picking up just 23 points from 23 matches at Montgomery Waters Meadow. Experienced boss Cotterill has now recovered from Covid and is back in full charge of the team.