Portsmouth v Shrewsbury: The Opposition View

 

Shrewsbury have played decently in the league in all but one half of their games so far this season

So you can say they've been unfortunate to have gone through the start they've suffered.

They were twice leading at Luton but shipped two goals in the last 20 minutes and capitulated. That should have been the first win.

But otherwise they are playing decent football and have got a squad of half-decent players with some quality.

Naturally fans are concerned about a lack of cutting edge, however.

There is a worry that between the forwards, wingers and centre midfielders there won't be enough of a goal threat.

They've been the better side and dominated probably half of the games at least so far. That could be a good or bad thing because they're playing well and not winning!

None of the games have been lost by more than the odd goal and no team has played them off the park. But Pompey is probably their first big test, and maybe haven't played a really decent side yet.

I'm sure John Askey, the new manager, would snatch your hand off for a 0-0 after the start the team's had.

Football is funny, though, and you could imagine they haven't won a game and could then go to Pompey and win 1-0 with a goal off the backside.

There has been a huge turnover in players. They've signed 16 players and a similar amount of players have gone out the door. The squad which did so well last season has been decimated with just three in the starting XI from the play-off final.

It's totally different from last season. Different players and backroom staff.

The new manager has come in knowing everyone was leaving, there's raised expectations and this is first gig at this level.

The fans haven't been overly enamoured and the fans are saying they don't want a repeat of last season, but expectations do rise.

There are so many new players who need to gel, but there are good players there. In midfield they are spoilt for choice and kept a couple of clean sheets. 

Shaun Whalley remains a standout player while new midfielder Ollie Norburn has looked the business since arriving after getting Tranmere promoted.