Aneke a ‘massive’ signing for Shrewsbury – Appleton
Head coach Michael Appleton thinks new Shrewsbury Town striker Chuks Aneke will be a “massive and key signing” for the club.
Former Arsenal junior player Aneke, 32, reconnected with Appleton this week after working together at Charlton during Appleton’s four-month stint as manager in the first half of the 2023-24 season.
The Town manager claimed he was “very excited” to be able to sign Aneke as a free agent when the transfer window closed earlier this month. “He’s a good footballer, and I have a lot of respect for him,” Appleton told BBC Radio Shropshire.
“He plays the game in a specific way and is as effective as any substitute I’ve ever worked with or watched.
“When his teammates see him undressed and ready to play, it boosts their confidence and lifts everyone’s spirits. Whether we’re at home or away, he’ll have that effect for us no matter who we’re playing, so I’m thrilled to have him on board. Aneke has played for nine different clubs, and his move to Shrewsbury comes four months after being released by the Addicks following their League One play-off final victory in May.
“There’s a bit of work to do with him, obviously he hasn’t done much since the back end of May,” Appleton told me. “So there’s some work to be done to get him up to speed, but once he is, I believe he will be a major, crucial player for the club going forward.
“He was someone we’d been talking to, but I don’t think we expected to be able to sign him. “I speak with many of the athletes I’ve previously worked with, and conversations emerge.
“Once that window closes, you can be more direct with players, asking ‘what are your alternatives and where are you at?’ It simply escalated from there.”
Aneke’s arrival expands Appleton’s attacking options, which also include Ismeal Kabia, Bradley Ihionvien, John Marquis, Callum Stewart, and George Lloyd.
“That’s something that we didn’t probably have – and I mean that with respect – three or four weeks ago,” Appleton disclosed. “So, all of a sudden, we’re a different animal with a different team problem.
“There’s still loads and loads of work to do and we’re still nowhere near where I want us to be but we’re seven games into the season and we’re improving bit by bit.”
First win was ‘reminder what it feels like for players’
Town welcome Salford to The Croud Meadow on Saturday, fresh off their first league win of the season at Barnet a week ago. Appleton claimed their first League Two success this season after a difficult start has given everyone a boost. “It’s difficult not to.
It takes some time, but we hope to build on it,” he remarked. “There were signs, and we can continue forward with the hope of picking up a few more wins. “I think it served as a reminder to the players of what it’s like to win games.
“It’s not easy at any level but when you haven’t done it for a while you sometimes forget so it was great for the players to feel that and hopefully they’ll want more of it.”
Read more on Straightwinfortoday.com
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.