Ahead of tonight's game with Shrewsbury Town, we spoke to Ryan Hillback from Shropshire Live to preview the match...
Shrewsbury are 21st in the league. Are you happy with how things are going?
I think all Town fans are extremely disappointed with the club's start to the campaign. The squad is too thin and are probably around 4 to 5 players light - a suspension or injury is detrimental to the team's chances of success. There is a real need for reinforcements. For example, Shaun Whalley is out for four months with a thigh problem, and Elliott Bennett is suspended tonight due to his dismissal at the weekend. Missing those two is a real blow and is just a further example of the need to strengthen. Shrewsbury fans are a very understanding group, but patience is wearing thin with poor recruitment being compounded by the results on the pitch. What is frustrating is that everyone saw this coming.
Is former Sunderland coach Steve Cotterill the right man to take you guys forward?
That's a difficult one. Steve has a very impressive pedigree and has had a lot of success as a manager. He is a pragmatic individual and has proven in the past that he can work wonders with a small budget. He was a breath of fresh air when he came in following the dismissal of Sam Ricketts and managed to secure Town's survival with relative ease. Last season he was extremely unwell with COVID, and was inspiring as he led the team from afar despite suffering health wise. But he is becoming increasingly irritable in post-match interviews and his conduct with local media has been abrasive and at times uncalled for. Steve's track record proves that he has the capability to perform above expectations, but thoughts are starting to develop that he's a busted flush. I have every confidence that Town will survive, but unless an FA Cup run salvages the season, I believe Town are heading for at best mid-table obscurity.
Who’s been Shrewsbury’s star player this season?
Town fans may have an alternative opinion, but I think Dan Udoh has been superb. He was ruthless at AFC Telford, finding the net with regularity and ease. However, he struggled during his first season at Shrewsbury with just five goals in 44 games. His contract was up at the end of last season, and many expected his departure. However, he looks a completely different prospect this season and has hit the ground running. His goal against Cheltenham this weekend epitomises his new found belief and confidence - the Nigerian is quick, strong, and has found his shooting boots.
Which Sunderland player worries you the most?
He may be 35 but Aiden McGeady should not be a League One player. He is direct, accurate with his deliveries, and has an eye for goal. I'm also a huge fan of Ross Stewart and believe both will help fire Sunderland back to the Championship via the play-offs.
What’s your score prediction for the game?
I think it'll be a cagey affair and may mirror the fixture between the sides in February. I'll go for 2-1 Shrewsbury.
Who will get the goals?
Lyndon Gooch will give the Black Cats a first half lead, but Dan Udoh and Josh Vela will complete the comeback to give Salop a much needed three points.
And finally, where will both teams finish at the end of the season?
I can't see Shrewsbury pulling up any trees with the lack of squad depth and think they will finish around 17th. I fancy Sunderland to reach the play-offs, but think Wigan and Rotherham will secure automatic promotion.
