Mark Shelton says Grimsby Town must be prepared to match Swindon Town’s physicality and approach Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two fixture with the right mentality as the Mariners look to continue their recent positive run.
Town travel to the County Ground following last weekend’s dramatic Emirates FA Cup first-round victory over Stafford Rangers, with Shelton starting for the first time since recovering from a calf injury.
The midfielder completed the full 120 minutes in the 3-3 draw before Town progressed on penalties, describing his return to action as a major positive after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.
Shelton also reflected on settling into life at Blundell Park following his summer arrival from York City, the importance of building relationships throughout the Club and the support he has received from Mariners supporters.
The experienced midfielder discussed the lessons Town can take from their difficult afternoon at Stafford, the qualities he believes are essential for a successful team and the opportunity to move back into the automatic promotion places with a victory on Saturday.
You can watch Mark Shelton’s pre-match interview here:
Here’s everything the midfielder had to say ahead of Saturday’s trip to Wiltshire…
On returning from injury
Shelton was delighted to return to the pitch against Stafford Rangers after spending several weeks recovering from a calf injury.
The midfielder admitted that being unable to train and play had been particularly frustrating, explaining that he had regularly sought updates from the Club’s medical staff throughout his recovery.
Although he ended up playing considerably more minutes than originally planned, Shelton was pleased to complete the full 120 minutes and get back to the feeling of competitive football.
“Firstly, even getting back into training for me is massive. I’m probably the worst person who’s been injured. You ask Bryony, Greg and Chase – I’m just constantly asking questions, and I find it really frustrating.
“But, yeah, brilliant to be back outside. Obviously played on Saturday, played well, ended up playing the whole game and then extra time as well. So it’s probably a bit more than what we planned.
“But just to be back out there and get the feeling of a game again is just brilliant.”
On settling into life at Blundell Park
Having joined Town from York City during the summer, Shelton has had to adjust to a new environment twice in a relatively short space of time, having initially settled into life with the Minstermen before making the move to Cleethorpes.
The midfielder has been impressed by the welcoming atmosphere within the Club, highlighting the work ethic and togetherness of the group as important factors in helping him settle.
He believes everyone is pulling in the same direction, with promotion the shared ambition throughout the dressing room.
“It’s not always easy because I only joined York in the summer, so I had to get to know loads of lads and stuff then, and then I sort of had to do that after six weeks again.
“But no, it’s a really welcoming, hardworking group. There’s no egos in here. No one thinks they’re better than each other. Everyone wants to work hard and we all have the same goal of getting promoted.
“Coming into a group like that makes it a lot easier, especially when you already have to do it once this season.
“The boys work hard every day, the staff do, and we’re all going towards the same goal.”
On building relationships throughout the Club
Shelton has made a positive impression since arriving at Blundell Park, taking time to get to know not only his teammates but also the staff and people working behind the scenes.
The midfielder explained that he values the contribution everyone makes to the Club and sees building those relationships as an opportunity to give something back to the people who support the Mariners.
He believes that showing appreciation to those around the Club is simply part of being a good person.
“I appreciate everybody. I know that everybody comes into work, whether it be the chef or people who work around the ground. To them, we’re obviously quite a big part of their support for Grimsby, or they follow the Club quite a lot.
“I sort of see myself as someone who can just give a bit back, whether that’s in the streets or wherever.
“If people are nice and they’re nice people, then I’ll definitely give my time to them.”
On getting to know the Mariners supporters
Shelton has also enjoyed getting to know the Grimsby Town fanbase since moving to the area, having recently found a place to live locally.
The midfielder praised the support he has received since joining the Club and believes the positive atmosphere around the team has helped him settle into his new surroundings.
He was particularly pleased to see the supporters continue to back the side during Sunday’s difficult FA Cup tie at Stafford, with Town eventually finding a way through to the second round.
“I’ve just moved up here now, so I’ve got a place, and I see quite a lot of them, to be honest, whether I’m out walking with the missus and things.
“They’ve been brilliant with me, especially when I came in and we won a few games. It helps you get that feel-good factor, I guess.
“Even getting us over the line on Sunday, it wasn’t an easy game for anybody really, but to get through the tie is the main thing.
“We’re sitting all right in the table now. I know it’s very tight, but we’re on a little run and hopefully we can back that up with a positive performance on Saturday.”
On his memorable first touch against Cheltenham Town
Shelton made an immediate impression on his Grimsby Town debut against Cheltenham Town, with his first touch providing a memorable introduction to the Mariners supporters.
The midfielder joked about the unusual nature of his introduction but admitted that making a positive start was important, particularly after an injury-disrupted period which had prevented him from building up regular match fitness.
He acknowledged that setbacks are an inevitable part of a footballer’s career but is now focused on putting his injury problems behind him.
“They say start well, but I think the first touch is an interesting one. I don’t think that’s been done before!
“You want to start well, and I’ve had the injury that’s set me back a bit. It’s been really, really frustrating.
“I hate missing games of football, never mind just not even training, sort of watching. It can be frustrating.
“But when you sign up to be a footballer, if you think your career is going to be that you’re going to play every week and win every game, then you’d be deluded.
“It’s all part of it, and as I’ve got older, I’ve realised that. I’m just happy that I’m back now. Hopefully that’s that.”
On becoming a father
Away from football, Shelton has recently welcomed his first child, with his daughter now eight weeks old.
The midfielder spoke warmly about the experience of becoming a father and praised his partner for the support she has provided, particularly while adjusting to life away from their families following his move to Grimsby.
Although admitting that parenthood has brought plenty of changes to their daily routine, Shelton feels they are settling into family life and finding their feet together.
“She’s unbelievable. It’s a crazy feeling. All the mothers out there, well done, because giving birth and having kids – it’s not easy at all!
“We’ve dealt with it quite well. Obviously, it’s been a bit strange being so far from home and plans changed, but I really think I’ve grown into the role.
“My missus has been amazing. We’re eight weeks in, and time goes fast, but it’s all positive.”
He also joked about the adjustment to sleepless nights and the routine they have established at home, while paying tribute to his partner for making the transition easier.
“We’ve adjusted. My missus does all the nights, so I get my good sleep, and then I wake up in the morning and she throws her at me and says, ‘It’s your turn now!’
“But we’ve got a good little routine going, and she’s been brilliant. She’s away from her family as well. She’s moved up here with me sort of 80% of the time.
“It’s eight weeks in now, and we’re getting there.”
On the FA Cup tie at Stafford Rangers
Shelton featured throughout Sunday’s entertaining FA Cup tie at the Stan Robinson Stadium, as Town recovered from two first-half deficits before eventually progressing on penalties.
The midfielder admitted that the occasion proved a difficult test, with Stafford’s early goal and the atmosphere inside the ground making it challenging for the Mariners to settle into their usual rhythm.
He felt the players had been warned beforehand about the demands of the fixture but acknowledged that Town did not match the hosts’ intensity during the opening period.
“Staff and the gaffer all week did prepare us for that. They said, ‘If you think you’re going to come here and just win, you need to change your mentality.’
“We all thought we were up for it, and then you go 1-0 down after two minutes, so you’re thinking, ‘Oh my God, here we go.’
“We didn’t start great, and it gives them momentum. They’re obviously going as the underdogs, and when they score after two minutes, their tails are up.
“You could be in for a long afternoon, especially away from home when, like you say, all their fans are on top of you and the pitch isn’t great. You can make excuses, but we both played on the same pitch.
“It’s not an ideal start, and then they score again. It’s hard. It’s difficult. You’ve got to find something within yourself, whether you’re having a good game or a bad game.
“Obviously, we made a few changes at half-time, then it was a better second half. I think our fitness got us over the line.
“You won’t get many games like that, put it that way. We got through the tie. It’s not an ideal game by any means, but these cup upsets happen, and luckily we weren’t on the end of that.”
On the importance of matching the opposition’s mentality
The midfielder was asked whether Town had underestimated the challenge of facing a team from a lower division, with Stafford’s early intensity exposing the Mariners during the first half.
Shelton acknowledged that the perceived difference between the two sides may have subconsciously influenced the players, but insisted that every team must be prepared to compete in the less glamorous aspects of the game.
He believes Town must be ready to fight for every ball and match their opponents’ commitment, regardless of the occasion or opposition.
“I think you go into a game thinking, ‘Look at the difference, we should win.’ It does, whether it’s subconscious or not.
“Even a fan, or anyone, has that in their mind, whether that’s right or wrong. It’s just a natural thing.
“But you’ve still got to do the horrible bits in a game of football. You watch at Swindon on Saturday – no one’s going to let each other have the ball. It’s a fight, it’s a scrap, and then it feels like a bit of quality.
“We didn’t have that fighting scrap in the first half, especially. We ended up 2-0 down, so maybe a bit of that, and I think we could all hold our hands up to that.”
On facing Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup second round
Town were rewarded for their victory at Stafford with a home tie against Oldham Athletic in the second round of the Emirates FA Cup.
Shelton believes the experience of Sunday’s difficult contest can provide valuable lessons for the squad, with the midfielder keen to ensure the Mariners do not find themselves in a similar position when they welcome the Latics to Blundell Park.
He described Oldham as a strong and physical opponent but was encouraged by the prospect of playing in front of the home supporters.
“In those times or in those games, it all feels very negative. What are we going to do now? But once you get over them, you have to take them as lessons and think, ‘Going forward, remember where we were then. Don’t put ourselves in that position again.’
“Oldham will be a big, strong, tough team. You don’t really get many easy rides in football.
“But we’re looking forward to it, especially at home. As soon as you get the home draw, you’re almost excited in a way because you’ve given yourself a really good chance.”
On using his experience to help the squad
With three promotions already on his CV, Shelton brings valuable experience of successful dressing rooms to Artell’s squad.
The 30-year-old explained that he tried to support his teammates during his time on the sidelines, using the different perspective of watching from the stands to offer advice and guidance.
He also highlighted the importance of helping younger players understand the demands of senior football, stressing that hard work and decision-making are just as important as technical ability.
“I come in at half-time in a few of the games and just spoke to a few of the boys.
“It’s different when you’re watching a game of football. When you’re in it, you’re a lot more emotionally involved and you might not see things as you do when you’re sat there watching. You can be a bit more level-headed about it.
“We’ve got quite an experienced group, but we’ve got a lot of young boys as well, like Fin and a few young boys who are just starting out in their game.
“I’d say to them all the time, just enjoy it and work as hard as you can because before you know it, you’re my age.
“Little bits I can try and help the boys with, whether it be making the right decisions at the right times or understanding what the game needs.
“The game isn’t always pretty. As young lads, you’re used to just passing it and no one’s really attacking you. It’s not like that. You’ve got to work the extra bit harder to get a bit more time on the ball.
“I try to play that role the best I can.”
On the qualities of a successful team
Shelton believes mentality is one of the most important ingredients in any successful side, pointing to the importance of confidence, commitment and a collective willingness to compete.
Having been part of several promotion-winning teams, the midfielder feels Town have many of the necessary qualities within their current squad and has been impressed by the honesty and work ethic shown since his arrival.
He believes the challenge is to ensure those standards are maintained consistently throughout the season.
“It’s a mentality thing for me. When we’re good and everyone’s got the right mentality, whether that be a confidence thing or winning the first tackle, we show we’re a proper team.
“At times when we’ve not done so well, I think it’s the mentality. If we can all be on the same page with the mentality, whatever it is that gets you going to perform to the best of your abilities, I think we show that we’re a proper team.
“We’ve got that in us. It showed on Sunday, for example, when we’re 2-0 down against Stafford Rangers. You have to find something pretty fast.
“Since I’ve been in here, we’ve definitely got that. I think going through the rest of the season will definitely show that.”
On the challenge posed by Swindon Town
The Mariners face a Swindon side who Shelton has encountered on previous occasions during his career, with the midfielder expecting a difficult test against an experienced team with plenty of quality.
He acknowledged the threat posed by the Robins but believes Town’s own approach and mentality will be crucial in determining the outcome.
Having already begun analysing their opponents, Shelton is confident the Mariners can give themselves a strong opportunity to secure three points if they perform to their capabilities.
“They’ve got a good fanbase, a good manager, an experienced manager and good players.
“I don’t think they’re sitting too well in the table, but they’ve got some good players and they’re effective. We’ve just watched a few bits this morning.
“But, like I said before, if our mentality is right approaching a game, which it will be, nine times out of 10 we give ourselves a really good chance to win the game of football.”
On the physical challenge of facing an Ian Holloway side
Shelton has previously come up against teams managed by Swindon boss Ian Holloway and expects Saturday’s contest to require plenty of physical commitment from the Mariners.
The midfielder recalled a previous encounter against one of Holloway’s sides as a particularly physical contest, with long balls and aerial battles used to gain territory.
He believes Town must be prepared to compete in every department and insists that willingness to fight for the team is essential to succeeding in League Two.
“I remember we played there a few years ago, and it wasn’t the prettiest game of football, if I remember. A lot of long balls, a lot of headers, trying to gain a bit of territory up the pitch.
“I don’t know if they’re similar now, but you’ve got to go to war.
“I say it all the time: you have to go to war. Be prepared to go to war. That’s effectively what it is. That’s what gets you over the line in a lot of games.
“I’ve learned that as you’ve got older. If you’re not ready to go to war and really go to the line in everything you do, you’re not going to get anywhere in this business.
“It’s difficult. It’s so hard. Young lads coming through the game now have to learn that bit first, and then you can show how good you are, because if you try to do it the other way round, it’s not going to happen.”
On the opportunity to move into the automatic promotion places
A victory at the County Ground could see Town move back into the automatic promotion places in Sky Bet League Two, providing further incentive for the Mariners ahead of Saturday’s fixture.
Shelton believes the players should be fully aware of what is at stake and feels the prospect of moving into the top three can provide an additional boost heading into the game.
However, he stressed that the squad must focus on delivering the performance required to secure the result, rather than becoming distracted by the league table.
“Massive. Everyone should know that going into the game. Everyone should know that if we win, we’re in the top three.
“I’ll be telling the boys in there. It’s November, but it just feels like a big game.
“It’s almost a mentality shift: we’re in the top three now, we’re not coming out. All these little things add up to trying to get a positive result.
“The boys are a good group of honest, hardworking lads, and that’s probably the best way to describe this group.”
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