Steve Cotterill's record-breaking start at Shrewsbury Town no shock to Aaron Wilbraham

Former Bristol City chief Cotterill, who is likely to be absent from the club for some time yet as he continues his Covid-19 recovery, has eclipsed Graham Turner’s start as player-boss at Gay Meadow in late 1978.

Since Cotterill’s late November appointment, Shrewsbury have won seven of 12 League One games, losing just twice, taking 24 points from 36 available. Turner had 23 points from 12 games at the helm.

The absent manager’s former Bristol City captain Wilbraham, who has been leading the troops alongside former academy boss David Longwell, knew Salop were on to something special when Cotterill was appointed after two-and-a-half years out of the game.

“It doesn’t surprise me with the manager,” Wilbraham said. “I knew before the manager got this job and before he even gave me the call to be involved in it that it would be a good thing for Shrewsbury.

“The fans and everyone at the club can know that, with the gaffer in charge, things will get done properly.

“He was out of work for a long time before this job but that was by his own choice, that he wasn’t just going to accept (anything), he deserved a good job.

“The club have given him the chance, he has a great relationship with the chairman and I knew from the minute Shrewsbury appointed the gaffer they were only going to go in one direction.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all it’s the best start for a manager in Shrewsbury Town’s history.”

Wilbraham added: “They (chairman and board) know how good the gaffer is and are concerned about his situation, but are supporting him in every way they can.

“They want him to take his time and get his health better, because that’s the most important thing.

“They keep in contact with me and Dave and are pleased with the job we’re doing.”