Salford | Opposition Report

Shrewsbury Town begin the 2026/27 competitive campaign with a Carabao Cup first-round tie at Salford City.

The Ammies head into the new season with promotion firmly in their sights after suffering heartbreak in last season's League Two play-off final, where they were beaten by Notts County, writes Jamie Burgoyne. 

The summer has brought significant change at Moor Lane.

Alongside a refreshed club identity inspired by Salford's historic colours, the club has appointed Australian coach Peter Cklamovski as its new manager following the departure of Karl Robinson.

Town and Salford shared the spoils across last season's league meetings. The Ammies claimed a 3-1 victory at the Croud Meadow, while Salop responded with a win in the reverse fixture in February thanks to goals from Tom Sang and Will Boyle.

Both sides will be eager to make a positive start to the new campaign, with Salford having made significant changes to their squad during the summer transfer window.

The Manager

Peter Cklamovski begins his first season in charge of Salford after building an impressive coaching CV across Australia and Asia.

The Australian first made his name working with youth teams before joining former Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou's coaching staff. The pair worked together with the Australia national team and at Yokohama F. Marinos, where Cklamovski developed a reputation for an energetic, attack-minded style of football.

He took charge of Australia's Under-17 side in 2017 before moving into senior management in Japan, where his teams became known for their high-tempo, front-foot approach. Following an 18-month spell with the Malaysia national team, Cklamovski now takes on his first managerial role in English football.

Ones to watch:

Ben Woodburn

The former Liverpool youngster remains one of Salford's most creative players. Capped 11 times by Wales, Woodburn joined the Ammies from Preston North End in 2024 and offers quality in possession, excellent vision and a threat from set-pieces. His intelligence between the lines makes him a key figure in Salford's attacking play.

Macaulay Langstaff

One of League Two's standout summer signings, Langstaff arrives with an outstanding goalscoring record. After prolific spells with Gateshead and Notts County, where he scored 71 goals in 97 league appearances, he spent two seasons with Millwall before returning to the fourth tier. His movement, pressing and clinical finishing make him one of the division's most dangerous forwards.

Dan Udoh

A familiar face for Town supporters, Dan Udoh made 181 appearances and scored 38 goals during five memorable seasons with Salop before joining Wycombe Wanderers. He signed for Salford on transfer deadline day last summer and made an immediate impact, scoring twice on his return to the Croud Meadow. Injuries disrupted the second half of his campaign, but also Salop fans know Dan is a dangerous forward capable of causing problems.

Luke Garbutt

Club captain Luke Garbutt brings a wealth of EFL experience to Salford's defence. A product of Everton's academy, the left-back enjoyed loan spells with Fulham, Ipswich Town and Oxford United before joining Blackpool permanently.

Comfortable getting forward, Garbutt is renowned for his quality delivery from wide areas and his threat from dead-ball situations.

Luke Molyneux

Another eye-catching summer addition, Luke Molyneux arrives after an outstanding spell with Doncaster Rovers.

The former Sunderland winger registered 77 goal involvements across four seasons with Rovers and has established himself as one of the most productive attacking players outside the Championship. Direct, creative and capable of scoring as well as creating, he will be looking to make an immediate impact in Salford colours.