Bernard McNally: Time to rejuvenate and believe for Shrewsbury Town
Yes it would be a miracle for Shrewsbury to get into the top two now, but they really have to pick themselves up.
After Tuesday’s disappointing 2-0 defeat to Charlton it is time to get the enthusiasm and desire that they’ve shown this season in preparation for what is still to come.
Everyone involved at Shrewsbury Town knew it was a must-win game against Charlton and I honestly think the visitors deserved the three points.
There wasn’t a great deal for the fans to get excited about.
Paul Hurst and the players will be frustrated. It was very similar to when we went to Wembley – too many players putting in a six out of 10 performance.
You will struggle to get what you want with a team full of that.
After a run of one win in five games going into the final four league matches, it’s now time to rejuvenate as a group. Rejuvenate their enthusiasm and rejuvenate what they did earlier on in the season with their performances.
We’re at the run-in stage now heading into the play-offs, which thankfully are already secured, but it’s time to get the minds right.
It is vital they get their confidence back and return to winning ways, they haven’t scored a goal in three games.
With Abu Ogogo out for the season, hopefully little knocks to key men like Shaun Whalley and Toto Nsiala aren’t too bad. Fans are looking at going to Wembley again but that is a million miles away.
The players are looking to a big game against already-relegated Bury on Saturday.
You’ve got to lift spirits and lift each other up.
You want to go into the semi-finals on a high. You don’t want to be swung down low.
It’s going to be a tough, tough task for Town. A lot of teams will look at Shrewsbury and what they can do. They’ve been a bit marked out because of the season they’ve had.
If Town can get to the play-off final, we know they’ve lost at Wembley four times – but what a great chance to turn it around. The enthusiasm has to come from players individually and collectively. You don’t want things to fizzle out.
There was no self-belief in Town’s play on Tuesday.
There was no cutting edge, our individuals weren’t going at opposition players as we’ve come to expect.
I don’t think Paul will risk Shaun, Toto or any player with a knock if they need resting. I’d rest them.
Paul and Chris Doig’s eyes will be on the priority. They’re already in the play-offs, it’s in the bag, they can rest one or two in order to get them ready for the semi-finals.
That can be a positive on Shrewsbury’s side.
