Bernard McNally: I’m wondering if the quality is really there for Shrewsbury Town

Unfortunately, the majority of the players at Shrewsbury Town are ones that John Askey has brought in. It’s a big concern.

After the midweek win against Barnsley, most people thought Shrewsbury had turned a corner and that players had started to respond.

But then to put in an abysmal performance and get an abysmal result against a bottom four side like Oxford was such a disappointment.

When I look at the performances, I’m wondering whether these players are good enough individually at this level?

That’s probably my biggest concern, with the players themselves, whether they are good enough?

Teams can raise their game against better opposition or in the cup, you get a great performance but then it’s the next three or four games, how do you continue that?

The Oxford display was chalk and cheese from Barnsley. John is wondering about the desire and commitment, as well as the quality. He could be saying to the players ‘people are wondering are you good enough?’

There is going to have to be some harsh talking. Shrewsbury are a big club, fans are expecting more for their money.

Fans that travelled saw a performance that was lacklustre, with no desire and drive. When you take away those mental things, determination and willingness to run, then you’ll struggle.

On the back of the Barnsley you would imagine the players would have been up for Oxford. The manager is the one in charge, he has to motivate players, of course, but players should be motivated.

That was a fantastic opportunity to grab another three points and push further up the table.

There are a lot of questions to be asked ahead of Saturday’s massive trip to AFC Wimbledon.

It’s an absolutely vital game for John. He’ll know that and sense it as manager.

Unfortunately in football, when things are changing, not going according to plan and fans start to rumble, it can be a difficult thing to change around.

Then you do really need results, more than performances. They need about three wins on the bounce to settle the ship.

When John came in I said it could be a case of after the Lord Mayor’s show. If you don’t hit the ground running you’re in trouble.

He needed to put his money on players he knew could perform at this level. Maybe he’s thinking he needed players with more experience at this level, but not in the twilight of their careers.

It takes a lot of strength, character and belief to stop momentum when you’re losing.