John Askey wants more of the same direct style from Shrewsbury's Alex Gilliead
John Askey is urging winger Alex Gilliead to continue with his direct approach after responding to a pep talk from the Shrewsbury boss.
The Montgomery Waters Meadow chief has been trying to encourage Gilliead to burst at pace into the opposition penalty box on a more regular basis to improve Town’s goal threat.
The wideman, captured from Newcastle United in the summer, delivered on his manager’s hopes by taking just four minutes to brilliantly create Greg Docherty’s opening goal in Saturday’s 2-0 win against Southend.
Gilliead, 22, has said that he previously struggled with shooting and crossing and that he is determined to improve his goal and assist tallies with his new club.
“I’ve been talking to him and trying to work in training about him getting in the 18-yard box more,” said the Town boss.
“If he’s playing in that position then he’s got to create chances or score. He’s created there and is unlucky he hasn’t created more.
“I’m pleased he’s done that, it’ll only help with his confidence.”
Gilliead is one of a number of athletic players in Town’s armoury, a deliberate ploy as Askey went about his summer rebuild at the Meadow.
He continued: “They’re good players and they’re athletic as well, they can all get around the park.
“I think it’s important that you’ve got people who’ve got legs. Obviously Gilliead, (Shaun) Whalley and (Lee) Angol, they’re all athletic and quite quick, you need that in your team as well as ability. If you’ve got that then you’ve always got a chance.”
Askey also reserved praise for one of his key midfield enforcers, Anthony Grant, who again shone at the heart of the team.
Grant has been a League One regular for a number of seasons with Southend, Crewe, Port Vale and Peterborough.
“He does a job for us and at the start of the season we didn’t have anybody to do that,” Askey said on 31-year-old tough-tackling midfield man.
