Nine more wins is Andy's aim
Returning striker Andy Cooke believes Shrewsbury Town require nine victories from their remaining 13 games to gatecrash the League Two play-offs. Returning striker Andy Cooke believes Shrewsbury Town require nine victories from their remaining 13 games to gatecrash the League Two play-offs. Town host Peterborough in Friday night desperate to bridge the eight-point gap which separates them from seventh-placed Wycombe. Shropshire-born Cooke - now fully recovered from the ankle injury sustained at Boston - is once again available and believes Town remain very much in the hunt for a thrilling end to the season. Read the full story in the Shropshire Star
Shropshire-born Cooke - now fully recovered from the ankle injury sustained at Boston - is once again available and believes Town remain very much in the hunt for a thrilling end to the season.
"It's still there for us and we have definitely got enough games to come," said Cooke, whose target would leave Shrewsbury with a minimum of 76 points.
"I think if we won nine of our remaining games, that ratio would we enough to get us there. But saying it is one thing and doing it is another because every game is a tough one.
"We are on a good run and we just have to continue it for as long as we can."
Cooke also revealed he would be keen to extend his one-year stint at Shrewsbury beyond the end of this season - and end his career at his home county's sole Football League club.
"I have got a one-year option but that's down to the club," added the 33-year-old, who has scored 10 goals in 16 starts and six substitute appearances. "I would love to stay and love to see out my career here.
"But all I'm focused on at the moment is the run-in. It's been a frustrating season because after four or five injury-free seasons, they all seem to have come at once.
"You can't do anything about it though or turn back the clock so I'm just looking forward to the rest of the season."
Meanwhile, manager Gary Peters has played down suggestions Richard Hope already has an exit to Darlington on the cards.
The club captain has been omitted from the squad since the 3-1 victory at Wrexham, sending the rumour-mill into overdrive over the defender's future.
But Peters insists that reports Hope is planning a return to his former club are wide of the mark.
"It's just a stupid rumour," said Peters. "People see someone out of the team and want to make something out of it.
"I've had no contact with any manager and the conversation I've had with Hopey's agent is about whether he will get a new contract here."
Hope added: "There is not a lot I can say at the moment.
"I have got a property back in the north-east but the ideal scenario for me is to remain at Shrewsbury because I love it here. I'm not in the team at the moment so we will have to see what happens."
By James Garrison
