Carl Winchester: Shrewsbury Town can avoid relegation

Salop currently find themselves in a vulnerable position having taken 11 points from the 16 League One games they have played so far this campaign. 

Before last weekend, Town were in an even more perilous position, having won just two of their opening 15 matches. 

That was until their memorable 3-2 victory over high-flying, big-spending Birmingham City at the Croud Meadow in Gareth Ainsworth's first game in charge, which has given them a glimmer of hope.

And Winchester, who was made Shrewsbury captain at the start of the season by previous boss Paul Hurst, recognises it has been a challenging period for the club but insists they still have enough to beat the drop. 

"Yes, definitely," he said when asked if Shrews can stay up this season. "There are a lot of lads in the dressing room who have played a lot of football and a lot of games at this level.

"If we are not confident in thinking we can get out of it then you should not be here at the end of the day.

"I believe we have got a lot of lads who are confident. I know we have been going through a hard time.

"Look, it happens, everyone goes through it. It is now up to us to dig in and see ourselves through it."

Winchester has played more than 100 times during his stint in Shropshire, which first started when he was signed on loan by Steve Cotterill in September 2022. 

The 31-year-old was then brought back to the club on a permanent basis when Matt Taylor took over as boss.

Town currently have a free week with no action until they welcome Blackpool to the Croud Meadow on Wednesday next week. 

The Tangerines will have played twice in that time, they took on Bristol Rovers last night and face Blues in the FA Cup on Saturday.