Looking at the numbers of hits on the MKDSA website it would appear that Trash Talk is amongst the most popular of our weekly match features, so we are grateful to our two intrepid reporters who track down opposition fans every week using different methods, including hitting the banter pages, tagging opposition clubs on Twitter, and even going to the horses mouth when all the usual methods have been exhausted, so many thanks to Tom & Jon.
This week we have Salop fan Matt Beeston aged 26, answering the questions, so many thanks to him for taking part, we wish you and the Shrews all the best for the rest of the season.
Tell us a little-known fact about your club?
Shrewsbury Town are the first club in England & Wales to introduce a safe standing section in the south stand which holds roughly 500-600 fans.
What impact has Covid 19 had on your club, do you worry for its future if this continues?
As for many other clubs, we have had to bear the brunt financially due to COVID-19. Shrewsbury have always been one of the better run clubs in the country in terms of giving mangers plenty of time to work on the team and financially only spending money we have got and not spending over the odds to try and compete in this league. I know the club put their staff on furlough but were topping up their wages. I don’t know how much longer we can sustain this as we have been lucky in the last 3-4 seasons where we have had a decent cup run which has brought in some extra money for the club.
What has your club done to compensate fans on season ticket sales?
The club decided to offer fans a refund for the remainder of the 19/20 season which we had 5 home games left on our season tickets. They asked us if we would like a refund or if we would like a place on a “Wall of Fame” and let the club keep the money. About 95% of the season ticket holders decided to let the club keep the money and have their name on the wall. We also get to watch all of our home games on iFollow for free for paying for our season ticket this season.
What were your expectations for your club pre-season, and have you changed your mind on what you have seen so far?
Going into the pre-season, I was extremely optimistic that we could be pushing to get into the top 10 and not be fighting relegation again. We have a good group of players from last season plus a few new additions to further the thought of a top 10 finish. From what I have seen so far, it’s the same boring football that was being played last season which all stems from Sam Ricketts. We played 5-3-2 last season and rarely scored any goals. This season he has changed it to 4-3-3 and we are having more possession but not actually doing anything with the ball, which is very frustrating to watch as we have very good attacking players in the squad who have done well at other clubs, but Sam sets the team up so defensively that we struggle in any attacking play. Based on what I have seen so far this season, I’m very concerned that we could get relegated and then struggle to bounce back up due to financial implications because of COVID-19, and also with the new intended salary caps for League 1 and League 2.
Who has been your breakout player this season?
This is a tough question as we haven’t played consistently well this season but Scott High who is on loan from Huddersfield has impressed me. He’s only 19 but he’s got a cool calm head on his shoulders and is a good box to box midfielder. Does every bit of the game very well and I reckon he will have a good future in the game?
Who should Dons fans watch out for as a game changer?
If fit, there is no better player than Shaun Whalley in this league. He can beat a man and is lightning quick on the wing. Unfortunately, he’s suffered a few injuries as of late but when fit he brings a different dynamic to the team with his pace and attacking play.
What’s your opinion on IFollow?
I’d best not swear, but it’s an awful service! In our first league game we played Portsmouth and within the first 2 minutes it switched to the Sunderland v Bristol Rovers game for roughly 15 minutes! I did see a goal in that game unlike Shrewsbury! I know other fans have complained about it and end up getting refunds.
Match prediction?
I’m gonna go for a 2-1 win for Shrewsbury. I think it will be a tight game with both teams hovering round the relegation zone but hopefully we can pull it out the bag.
Who is a good tip for promotion and relegation?
I think Peterborough and Hull will go up automatically with the amount of quality in both squads, and I’ll go for Fleetwood to win the play offs. I can see Burton, Swindon, Rochdale, and Northampton being relegated come the end of the season.
Where do you think the MK Dons will finish up this season?
I think MK Dons will finish 18-19th. I think Russell Martin will need more time to bring in his own players and implement his tactics before MK Dons start reaping the rewards
