Shaun Whalley targets more Shrewsbury Town goals
Winger Shaun Whalley has backed himself to reach double figures for goals this season if he can remain in Paul Hurst’s first team.
Shrewsbury’s No.7 already has four goals to his name this term – more than he netted last season – and is targeting his usual haul of at least 10 league goals.
That feat would be a first for the Merseysider, now in his third year in Shropshire, after he bagged six league goals (seven in all competitions) in his debut campaign two years ago.
Town’s goals have been spread around Hurst’s side this term, with fellow winger Alex Rodman (four) also outscoring his tally from last season. Strikers Stefan Payne (eight) and Carlton Morris (six) head the charts.
“I’m definitely pleased with the goals so far,” said the ex-Luton and Southport wideman.
“I always set myself a target of 10 league goals - as long as I’m starting every game - and last season I didn’t get that.
“Obviously the season before, my first here, I wasn’t playing too often.
“It’s nice to be on four goals but it’s not about how many I score, it’s where we are in the league and we’re top so I’m delighted.
“The strikers are doing a lot themselves, scoring a lot goals, Carlton, Stef and Lenny (Lenell John-Lewis) has chipped in.
“They’re doing really well. It’s good Rodders has scored a few goals and Nolo (John Nolan) has chipped in with a few vital goals.
“It’s good to share it around the team.”
Whalley, who turned 30 in August, penned a new two-year Montgomery Waters Meadow deal in the summer. He has netted 14 goals in 85 outings in all competitions for Town,
Blue and amber fans are accustomed to seeing Whalley’s goal celebration, where he makes the letter ‘J’ with his arms.
To clarify the personal meaning behind the celebration, the winger added: “My little boy is called Jude, so I do a ‘J’ with my hands.”
“I absolutely love the bones off him. Every goal I score means a lot, I can show my little boy something when he’s a bit older and he’ll like the celebration as well.
“He comes to some games, not really when it’s a bit cold because it’s like sitting outside for 90 minutes.
“I don’t want him that cold, but I’m sure when he gets older he’ll come to all the games.”
