John Askey hails youngster Ryan Sears for a 'perfect' Shrewsbury Town debut
Boss John Askey hailed a ‘perfect’ debut for defender Ryan Sears as the Shrewsbury youngsters caught the eye on his competitive bow.
Academy graduate Sears, from Newtown, was handed a surprise place in Askey’s first XI for Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Bristol Rovers in the absence of injured right-back James Bolton.
It was the 19-year-old’s first experience of competitive senior football with Shrewsbury and just a day after he was recalled from a loan spell at neighbours AFC Telford United.
Just four days after Wellington-born attacker Ryan Barnett, 18, put in a man-of-the-match display against Manchester City’s under-21s, Sears again highlighted the talent coming through Salop’s youth set-up.
Askey said of Sears, who was mostly playing against Town old-boy Alex Rodman: “I don’t think he could’ve had a better debut. I don’t think I can remember him making a mistake throughout the game.
“He was strong, aggressive, it was a perfect debut. I’m really pleased for him.
“It’s what you want. You want people to come in and show you what they can do and Ryan’s done that.
“It’s a nice problem to have.”
Sears returned early from his New Bucks Head loan with Bolton injured and loan deadline signing Josh Emmanuel, from Ipswich, not registered in time to play.
Askey added on his new full-back, 21-year-old Emmanuel: “He had a really good season for Rotherham, played 30-odd games and has shown he can do it at this level.
“The players recognised what a good player he was for Rotherham.”
Emmanuel began training with Town yesterday and added his intentions on further building on a solid loan at play-off winners Rotherham last season.
He said: I’m still kind of young, so I’m still learning my trade. Hopefully, I’ll gain experience here.
“Every game and every training session is an opportunity to learn and improve. I’m excited to see what’s ahead.
“As I saw last season – Shrewsbury were in top form in League One, so hopefully we can do that again.”
