Cod Almighty | Diary

The News of the Shrews

2 October 2026

Shelton will be out for a week or two. Just a strain, no mention of the Scan. The York loanee has made a big impression so far and he will be missed. No need to panic, though, as options remain strong in midfield, with an assumed return for Doyle in Shelton's place. Or possibly Walker moving upfield and Doyle filling in for our favourite Faroese.

How is our lolloping genius getting along? He's played in both of the Faroe Islands' 1-1 draws, turning out for the full 90 against Kazakhstan and for 60 minutes against Moldova. Artell's selfish half said he hoped he only plays 60 more minutes in the last two fixtures. His more generous side admitted that racking up caps is a wonderful thing for DGT and we all wish him well. Come back safe, Dávid.

Cartwright, the goalkeeping one, is fully fit and ready for selection. Artell's cards are close and he won't let slip his intentions. Dropping Pym could feel harsh but getting Cartwright's season going must be the plan. There's a Boycott Cup game on Tuesday to give him the kickstart he needs, so expect Pym to retain his spot.

Gardner continues to not be ready. The language remains the same: huge future, protect that future by protecting him in the present. If you listen carefully to the interview, you can hear the cotton wool rolling out of its sack and heading its merry, wrapping way to the young centre-forward. Andrews is at some kind late-stage-recovery-thing as he's been on the grass with Chase. Who's Chase? Your A46 Diary is only just getting used to there being a Bryony. So many coaches and physios. We're not in Kansas anymore, John.

Shrewsbury tomorrow. They're all the way down in 18th with eight points from eight games. Just the kind of league start we're more accustomed to, or, as I should say, the kind of start we were more accustomed to. Artell compared us and them and came up with similar comments, except to say that we're a season or two ahead of them in terms of where we all want to be. Things are not as settled as they might be at the New Meadow due to an ongoing takeover, so for now they're fish readied to be fried.

If you thought the season was already months old, that the stats were piling up and we now have clear data on how everyone's doing, then think again. The Shrews are one of six clubs to have only one point away from home this season. Two more have none at all, and there are 12 teams, half the league (including our mighty Mariners), yet to win away. Still, one point from four attempts more than suggests Shrewsbury don't travel well.

George Lloyd once travelled very well to North East Lincs. The poster boy of the Paul Hurst derby is joint top scorer this season for the Salop with one goal. Yes, the goals have been hard to come by. Just seven in eight and no one player has made that most special of football words into a plural.

So, no one to watch out for, no landmines, no traps, not big names, no form to fall back on. Shrewsbury are there for the taking. This is one of those dreaded games that we should win. This is one of those games that come May we will look back on and say, three points from them and we'd have been in the top three. Let's not write that narrative, Town. Let's win the game we should win.