EFL Roundup: Jamie Vardy, Shrewsbury Town and the winless bunch

By Rob Beezley

Welcome to my latest EFL roundup and talking points from the week gone by, as we head into another weekend of fixtures across the Championship, League One and League Two.

It has been another busy week in the Football League, with the first managerial casualty of the season confirmed and several clubs turning to the free-agent market to strengthen their squads.

This week’s talking points include several teams still waiting for their first win of the season, while we ask whether Jamie Vardy could be the answer to Burnley’s problems.

We’ll also look at whether Aaron Drinan is currently the best player in League Two and what Matt Smith could bring to Stevenage following his arrival.

Big announcement

Shrewsbury Town have endured a difficult start to life in League Two, with the Shrews currently sitting second bottom of the division, with only Port Vale below them.

They have collected just three points from their opening five fixtures, leaving plenty of work to do if they are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.

However, there could soon be a change off the pitch, with an American consortium reportedly preparing to buy the club from current owner Roland Wycherley.

A change of ownership could bring fresh ideas, investment and a new direction for a club that needs something to lift the mood. 

For now, the priority has to be turning their fortunes around and picking up results quickly.

Winless bunch

Several clubs across the EFL have managed to get points on the board, but none have come through victories.

Cardiff City, Burnley, Port Vale, MK Dons, Doncaster Rovers and Wycombe Wanderers are all still searching for their first wins of the campaign, despite some encouraging performances during the opening weeks.

For these sides, the importance of getting that first victory cannot be underestimated. Three points could quickly change the mood around a club, provide a much-needed confidence boost and give players something to build on heading into the next run of fixtures.

On the other hand, another draw could leave frustration growing, particularly for teams who have already had several opportunities to turn performances into victories.

Arrival

Free agent Matt Smith has found a new club, with the 25-year-old joining League One side Stevenage following a summer spent on trial with a number of clubs.

The former Arsenal youngster could now make his debut against Luton Town, giving manager Alex Revell another attacking option as Stevenage look to strengthen their squad.

Smith will be hoping to make an immediate impression and establish himself as an important part of Revell’s plans.

With competition for places likely to be strong, his early performances could be crucial in determining how quickly he becomes a regular.

Despite still being only 25, Smith already has considerable experience in the EFL, having previously represented Wigan Athletic, Doncaster Rovers, Charlton Athletic and Swindon Town.

That experience could prove valuable for Stevenage, particularly as Smith looks to reignite his career after spending the summer without a club. 

His first few appearances could provide an early indication of just how significant a role Smith can play in Revell’s plans this season.

Drinan best in League Two?

Aaron Drinan attracted plenty of interest over the summer, but the Swindon Town forward surprised many by committing his future to the Robins until 2030.

The decision now gives Drinan the chance to repay that faith by playing a key role in Ian Holloway’s promotion push, and his early-season form suggests he could be one of the players to watch in League Two.

The Irishman enjoyed an outstanding campaign last season, scoring 28 goals and registering six assists. He has picked up where he left off this term, finding the net five times in just six appearances.

Those numbers already put Drinan among the division’s leading performers, while his consistency in front of goal makes him a major asset for a Swindon side with promotion ambitions.

Vardy’s influence

Championship side Burnley sit at the bottom of the table and are still waiting for their first win of the campaign, leaving them with plenty of work to do if they are to climb away from danger.

The Clarets made one of the most eye-catching moves of the week by signing 39-year-old former Premier League winner Jamie Vardy last Sunday, immediately giving supporters something to get excited about.

Vardy’s record speaks for itself. He knows how to score goals, has played at the highest level and has plenty of experience of performing under pressure. 

Burnley will be hoping that experience can help turn their fortunes around and provide a much-needed spark in attack.

However, supporters may need to be patient. At 39, Vardy is unlikely to be the same player who terrorised Premier League defences during his Leicester City days, meaning Burnley will need to manage his minutes carefully.

Rather than expecting him to play 90 minutes every week, using Vardy as an impact substitute could prove particularly effective. A 20-minute cameo late in a match could give him the opportunity to use his movement, experience and finishing ability against tiring defenders.

Whilst his arrival is undoubtedly exciting, the Clarets cannot expect one player to solve all of their problems. 

The former England International can provide goals and experience, but the rest of the squad will need to step up alongside him if Burnley are to turn their season around.

READ MORE: Dion Dublin backs Jamie Vardy to make a big impact at Burnley