Shrewsbury fans’ chant is music to Ben Godfrey’s ears
The pocket of Shrewsbury fans that will make the long trek to Southend tomorrow will no doubt be chanting Ben Godfrey’s name at the top of their lungs.
Not that they need an excuse – the ‘we’ve got Ben Godfrey’ chant has followed Paul Hurst’s side everywhere this season and got supporters bouncing, writes Lewis Cox.
But the on-loan Norwich man this week extended his Montgomery Waters Meadow loan deal until the end of the season, so expect it chanted with even more gusto.
Godfrey, 19, has been crucial to Town’s lofty League One status. The athletic, powerful and intelligent deep-lying midfield man has made 24 appearances on his first senior loan away from Carrow Road.
The former York youngster hailed the support as ‘unbelievable’.
“I hear the song regularly,” he smiled. “But I’m just trying to do what I’m asked to do.
“I work hard and give 110 per cent every single game. Hopefully the fans realise that.
“I did want a song and it’s a good one as well. Hopefully they keep on singing it because it gives me that extra yard in the game, so if they can carry on it’ll be a massive help.”
When asked what the secret to his success this season is, he answered: “It’s not down to me – it’s the team.
“It’s all of us, every single person here. That’s the reason for success.
“Hopefully we continue to do that.
“It’s known that some loan players can come and not be as passionate but we’re lucky with Deano (Henderson) here, Carlton (Morris) and Ebs (Adams), that everyone loves the game, loves the club and care as well.
“We wear our heart on our sleeve and that’s why we’re doing so well.”
Godfrey is delighted to be the subject of Town fans’ current favourite sing-a-long. It’s an accolade that he did not expect given he is not an attacking player that regularly finds the net.
He added: “I haven’t been in the game too long and it’s something I’ve wanted for years. It’s a massive help to me.
“It gives me that second wind. It’s a massive help and I look forward to hearing it even more.
“The ‘dirty work’ midfielders don’t usually get that song but the support I’ve got is actually unbelievable. I thank everyone for that.”
Godfrey returned to Hurst’s first team at leaders Wigan on Boxing Day and was instrumental in a pulsating midfield battle.
The mature youngster doesn’t see the follow-up 400 mile round trip to the Essex coast as a possible come down, citing the professionalism in Shrewsbury’s ranks.
The Shrimpers sit 11th in League One with eight wins, seven draws and nine losses this term.
“With the characters that we’ve got here, who are highly professional, it won’t be a case of that,” assured the midfielder.
“With the lads and staff we’ve got here, staying professional comes naturally.
“The (Wigan) game has gone and we’re looking forward to Southend – it’s another three points we need to try to get.
“It’s going to be a tough game, it’s a tough place to go but it’s a massive game for us. Everyone’s looking forward to it and we’ll approach it in the right manner.”
