10 Dec 2008

After twelve goals, two clean sheets and that season defining 7-0 thrashing away at Wycombe, anything other than victory over Brighton in the area semi-finals would feel like a kick in the teeth for boss Paul Simpson.

Not only has ‘Simmo’ placed a big emphasis on doing well in the competition since round one, but his own trophy memories as a player have instilled an even greater desire to succeed.

Simpson won the competition as a Blackpool player in 2002, and then guided Carlisle to the final of the Football League Trophy as a manager in 2006, when his team lost to Swansea City.

So if his Shropshire Lads were to lift the silverware under the famous Wembley arch in April, it would be a case of ‘two out of three ‘aint bad!’

He said: “The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy is a fantastic competition and I have always fielded strong teams because I recognise the importance of a good cup run and a possible trip to Wembley.

“I have been lucky enough to get to the final twice before, and I know that the incentive of a final appearance at Wembley is huge.

“The only managers that talk about concentrating on the league are those that have been knocked out. We want to stay in for as long as possible with the carrot of a Wembley appearance there in front of us.

“There’s the possibility of a wonderful day out at the end of the season, and I have been drumming this into the players. Simpson said his side’s unbelievable exploits in the trophy – their thrashing of Wycombe earning them a team of the round award – was down to his players enjoying themselves out on the pitch.

And life at the Shrews’ lavish New Stadium is also helping, as he revealed that he wants a side to do justice to their amazing new environment.

“We are trying to put a team together that justifies the beautiful stadium we are playing in.

“Our area-semi final is live on Sky, and it we get past that, there’s the chance of an area-final, which would be brilliant for everyone at the club.

“The lads are going out there with a positive mentality and while we know we are probably not going to score five or seven each game, we will keep being positive and do this competition justice.”

Shrewsbury Town play Brighton and Hove Albion at home on Tuesday December 16, at 7.45pm, live on Sky Sports 1.

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