, How can Shrewsbury prepare for League One?

How can Shrewsbury prepare for League One?

After a season that has seen Shrewsbury bounce straight back into League One after relegation the year before, questions are being asked about how Shrewsbury will fare in League One. Manager Mickey Mellon was left with only a handful of players when he arrived at the Greenhous Meadow, in that handful were two players who featured in this seasons PFA Team of the Season. Mellon built a new squad without spending a penny, except January transfer Tyrone Barnett. Mellon has guided Town back into League One and now he has to prepare his squad for a tough season, so here a few ways Mellon can prepare his Shrewsbury side this summer.

Mellon needs to look for a new back-up keeper this summer, current back-up keeper Mark Halstead has only played two games this season, a certain Jayson Leutwiler has kept him on the bench after a superb season. Lack of game time is not Halstead’s fault, he can’t be blamed for Leutwiler’s fantastic form but Halstead will struggle in League One. If Leutwiler picks up a knock next season, Halstead and Burton are left to fill the gap. Even though Burton shows great promise, he might not be ready to get thrown in the deep end. A new keeper who can compete with Leutwiler for a first team space will make both players perform to their maximum, which is no bad thing.

Mellon needs to settle on one formation, he has alternated between a 5-3-2 and a classic 4-4-2 this season. The 5-3-2 formation was responsible for Town’s impressive home record this season, but Mellon had to adapt due to Knight-Percival’s injury and changed to 4-4-2. Town’s defensive record is one of the best in the country, but Town’s defence has looked more composed with five at the back. Mellon would be wise to go for the 5-3-2 formation going into next season so the team finds some stability early on. Mellon also has to consider strengthening his right-back and left-back positions, currently Town only have one left-back and one right-back, excluding Derby County loanee Rhys Sharpe who departs when the season finishes. Left-back Demetriou has performed amazingly considering he was playing for Kidderminster Harriers the year before, but like the goal-keeper situation, Mellon needs to bring in another left-back so they are competing for a first team place. Right-back Gayle’s season has not been as good as Demetriou’s, but he has still performed consistently, a new right-back to maybe take Gayle’s first team place should be seriously considered.

Finally, Mellon has some work to do on the transfer market. Blackpool loanee Bobby Grant has become a fan favourite, Grant demanded to be sent back on loan to Shrewsbury after his initial loan deal expired earlier on the season. It is likely Grant will sign permanently because his contract expires this summer. Mellon will have a busy summer if the talented duo Ryan Woods and Connor Goldson decide to move on, also veteran Liam Lawrence might struggle to play consistently, the former Stoke player turns 34 next season. This means that Mellon needs to start looking at more midfielders, Town have been linked with Tranmere’s Max Power, after Tranmere’s drop out of the Football League, Town might be able to swoop in for the youngster at a low price. Mellon has already shown his experience in the transfer market and has already built a side stronger than Shrewsbury’s League One side that saw them get relegated.

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