John Askey: Character as important as quality at Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury Town boss John Askey believes character is as important as quality when signing new players.
The 53-year-old gave the low-down on his recruitment views during a Q&A session with fans at Montgomery Waters Meadow.
Asked how he goes about singing new players, after bringing a raft of new ones in to Shrewsbury over the summer, Askey said: “Yes I think it is vital (that we bring people in with the right character).
“I would ask people (who know the player) what they thought of them as a person and find out what they are like.
“You are never 100 per cent sure whether they will be right.
“We want people who are prepared to work.
“Talking to people who played with them is vital.
“If we can get the right characters in then great. We have got a good bunch of lads with us.”
Among the new players are striker Fejiri Okenabirhie, defender Kieran Kennedy and forward Alex Gilliead.
Shrewsbury gear up for their first game on Saturday against Bradford City.
And the new boss hopes to get a win and build up confidence for the season.
“”It seems like it has been a long pre-season so you’re just gearing to the first game and hoping everything is in place,” said Askey.
“Hopefully we can get off to a winning start and hopefully the confidence will flow.”
Hundreds of fan attended the public meeting with Askey where they fielded him questions about Shrewsbury Town.
He was asked whether he approached by Shrewsbury or applied for the managerial position and he said: “I applied for the role.
“If I was ever going to move from my previous club, Macclesfield Town, then it seemed to be the right time for me to apply for the role,” said Askey.
“And to get the job was brilliant.
“Most people when they come here feel welcome and that is the feeling I get.
“This is a much bigger club than the one I left.”
Askey guided Macclesfield back to the English Football League pyramid last season after winning the National League.
And he hopes he can earn another promotion this season - by taking Shrewsbury back to the Championship.
He has made the league his priority over a cup run. But he would welcome winning a trophy at Wembley.
