Shrewsbury Town's Tamika Mkandawire: Micky Mellon already planning for next season
Shrewsbury Town captain Tamika Mkandawire today revealed new boss Micky Mellon has spoken to next season's contracted players about the club's future.
Last season's skipper is one of eight still under terms for the League Two campaign, while seven of his team-mates were released this week.
Jon Taylor, Aaron Wildig, David McAllister, Dave Winfield and Dominic Smith are also staying, along with highly-rated goalkeepers Callum Burton and Harry Lewis.
Mkandawire took a call from Mellon after he was appointed on Monday to replace Mike Jackson, who has become his assistant, and was pleased to hear from him.
The centre-back said: "It's good for everyone involved with the club that the situation has been sorted quickly. We can have a break now and then prepare to get started again.
"I think 'Jacko' did well, he was put in a difficult situation with only a short period of time to save us from relegation. It's good that he's still there to help the new manager.
"He gave me a call on Wednesday to say hello, just to introduce himself and have a quick chat. I think he's done that with all of the players who are contracted for next season.
"I was impressed that he took the time to touch base with us. Sometimes, when a new manager is appointed, you won't meet them until the first day of pre-season training."
Mkandawire experienced relegation for the first time in his six-club career, when Town suffered the drop from League One under Jackson's stewardship earlier this month.
But the 30-year-old is versed in going up through the play-offs, from the Conference Premier with Hereford United in 2006, and would love a repeat performance.
He said: "We want to put it right, I have never been relegated before and it was a horrible feeling. It was devastating and I hope I never have to go through it again.
"The one thing we need to do is learn from the mistakes of last season. If we can sign the right players and get them in early enough, we will have a strong squad.
"I have been involved in promotion campaigns and, if you could guarantee me a play-off final win, I would take that over going up automatically every time.
"It's a great occasion and an amazing experience."
