Shropshire Star

Gareth Ainsworth remains positive over Shrewsbury Town's survival hopes amid relegation fears

Gareth Ainsworth remains positive he can turn the tide despite Shrewsbury Town falling to a 4-1 defeat at Cambridge United on Saturday.

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The newly-appointed boss conquered promotion favourites Birmingham City 3-2 in his opening game but back-to-back defeats against Blackpool and Cambridge respectively have consigned them to the foot of the table. 

Shrewsbury sit eight points adrift of safety after losing 13 of their first 18 league matches but Ainsworth still maintains the belief that his side can survive. 

He said: "We are in the relegation zone. I am still positive. I believe these boys can get out of it but after a game like that, it really hurts me. 

"I am really positive about the group. They are a really good group of lads - they are together. 

"Are we a bit nice? Perhaps. And that comes with having great lads. Maybe do we need a couple of characters in there that might rip heads off on the pitch and organise and lead. 

"I will not have anything said against my boys. They are a good bunch of lads, I am there for them all. 

"They know that. I think they understand they were not good enough at the weekend. 

"There was so much disappointment after the game. I will never hang anyone out to dry. It is a team and I will protect them." 

Ainsworth sympathized with the supporters and their frustrations but hopes they can play an important role in their survival battle. 

"There is a famous poem. The Eye of the Storm. If people can keep their heads and keep with us then the good times will be around the corner," he continued. 

"The fans have a right to be frustrated but stick with us because that is the term supporter and I am hoping we've got plenty of them."