Josh Vela tipped to win top Shrewsbury award

The former Bolton star has won praise for his consistent, energetic displays in the heart of Steve Cotterill's midfield since the manager's appointment in November.

Vela, 27, is a leading contender to grab the top prizes at this evening's virtual end-of-season awards, aired free from 6.30pm on the club's online channels.

No other player made more league starts (43) or appearances (44) than Vela, and goalkeeper Harry Burgoyne revealed the midfielder was his pick for players' player of the season.

Burgoyne said: "I think it's a standout winner, I think it's going to be Josh Vela, standout winner, that's who I've voted for.

"For me, every week, even if he's not having the best game himself he will make sure he helps others through the game.

"He'll still go and run 10, 11, 12km, he's always a great example, even when stuff's not going his way he'll still be running around and get stuck in.

"In this division that's exactly what you need to be successful. He deserves all the credit he's going to get for this season because he's been absolutely brilliant.

The goalkeeper added: "You don't go and play 43 games a season if you're not performing every week, especially when there's a chance of manager.

"If the new manager is still playing you every week you're doing something right."

Vela's form is of no surprise to Town assistant boss Aaron Wilbraham, who acted as stand-in chief for much of the last four months.

The pair were Bolton team-mates and enjoyed a real point together three seasons ago, where a dramatic final-day late Wilbraham goal kept the Trotters in the Championship.

Wilbraham said: "Playing with Vels I know what he's about, I know what he's like in the dressing room. I know how hard he trains every day.

"It would be a fair vote, if that's the case, from players and supporters.

"I think Mr Consistency, like you say (is fair), you always know what you're going to get from Vels.

"It was three years to the day the other day since we stayed up at Bolton on the last day and I was getting sent random videos of those of us singing.

The Shrews No.2 continued: "He's a great player to have in your squad, you're always going to get full of running, energy, never let you down, shirk a tackle, will get on the ball whether you're losing or winning he doesn't hide.

"He's everything you want as a supporter, I'd say, in your team."

Vela built a solid partnership with his close friend and midfielder colleague Ollie Norburn during the middle point of the season.

"He probably went unnoticed earlier on in the season but it's got to the point where he's that consistent in every game, where he's a strong eight or nine out of 10 and you can't ignore that," Wilbraham said. "If he is to get the award then he massively deserves it.

"He's quite quiet, he's got his little mate Ollie Norburn the gaffer calls them the 'Manc Scallywags', he's a good lad, a down to earth, genuine lad that will never let you down on or off the pitch."