Shrewsbury Town: John Filan named assistant manager to John Askey

John Filan played in the Premier League for Coventry, Blackburn and Wigan

New Shrewsbury Town manager John Askey has made his first appointment by naming former Australian international John Filan as his number two.

Askey left newly-promoted League Two Macclesfield to join League One play-off finalists Shrewsbury on Monday.

"I've known John Askey for three or four years," said the 48-year-old twice-capped former goalkeeper.

"I've been in to Macclesfield to help out on a few occasions and been to a few games with him," added Filan.

Askey had already announced that he would stick with the remainder of Town's backroom team, goalkeeping coach Danny Coyne and physiotherapist Chris Skitt.

"As soon as people hear my name they think goalkeeping coach. But I've never really been that interested in that. The outfield side interests me more now.

"The goalkeeping side was an artform that I was obsessed with as a player. But we're very fortunate that we've got Danny Coyne here.

Shrewsbury needed a new assistant manager after Chris Doig opted to follow former Shrewsbury boss Paul Hurst to Ipswich.

Filan, who began his English career with Cambridge United, played in the Premier League with Coventry City, Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic.

"John's got vast experience playing at the highest level," said Askey. "He's got all his coaching badges. He was a big help to me when I was at Macclesfield.

"I wanted someone that's strong, who backs me and who I get on with. I'm sure he will get on well with the players."