Shrewsbury Town Seal Player Agreement: 31-Year-Old Pens Deal

Shrewsbury Town have confirmed that goalkeeper Jamal Blackman has signed a contract extension, keeping him at the club until the end of the season.

The 31-year-old joined Shrewsbury on a short-term deal just before Christmas and has quickly become an important part of Gareth Ainsworth’s squad.

Steadying the Ship

Blackman’s impact since arriving at Croud Meadow has been significant. The former Burton Albion keeper has made six appearances, including a clean sheet in the Boxing Day victory over Lincoln City. Under his watch, Shrewsbury have conceded just six goals in their last six matches, a marked improvement in defensive stability.

Manager Gareth Ainsworth praised Blackman’s influence, stating:

“He’s settled the ship down a little bit, and he’s definitely made a difference. He’s nowhere near as good as he can be, which is exciting for me. He can definitely improve, but his positioning and the way he commands the high line have been much needed.”

A Key Figure in the Relegation Battle

Shrewsbury currently find themselves in a tough fight to remain in League One, and Blackman’s experience has proven invaluable. Ainsworth acknowledged the challenges faced by the club’s younger goalkeepers and how Blackman’s leadership has eased the pressure on the defensive line.

“It’s very difficult for youngsters to handle a relegation situation,” Ainsworth explained. “Jamal, with his experience, has come in and provided much-needed stability.”

The manager also highlighted Blackman’s dedication to improving his fitness and agility under the guidance of goalkeeping coach Brian Jensen, stating: “He’s training hard, and there’s no secret we wanted him to be fitter and trimmer. He’s working towards being the agile Jamal I remember from a long time ago.”

Building Momentum

With Blackman signed on for the remainder of the campaign, Shrewsbury will look to build on their recent form. The team has collected 12 points from their last 10 matches and aims to extend their good run when they face Charlton Athletic this weekend.

Site Opinion

Jamal Blackman’s extension is a smart move by Shrewsbury Town, given his immediate impact on the team’s defence. His experience and leadership qualities have added stability to a side battling relegation, and his fitness improvements suggest there’s more to come from the 31-year-old.

For Shrewsbury, keeping Blackman ensures they have a reliable presence in goal for the remainder of the season. This decision signals a commitment to maintaining momentum and securing League One survival. With Blackman between the posts, the team’s chances of avoiding the drop have significantly improved.

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