Further update given on worrying condition of Shrewsbury manager

A further update has been given on the worrying condition of Shrewsbury Town manager Steve Cotterill who is still in hospital.

It was on the 15th of January 2020 that the League One outfit confirmed that he wouldn’t be in the dugout for their upcoming matches.

This was because he is recovering from having Covid following a positive test result – and now Aaron Wilbraham and David Longwell will be taking charge of first team duties until Steve’s return.

Cotterill, who had been at home with his wife, was hospitalised on Friday for extra oxygen and care at night time as his condition got worse.

It was revealed a few weeks ago that he was recovering after a period in intensive care for a few days, before then being able to watch Shrewsbury’s FA Cup tie against Southampton as he got better.

A further update has been given on worrying condition of the Shrewsbury manager as it’s revealed that he is unfortunately no better.

The Town chief has been in hospital in Bristol for almost two weeks and Wilbraham admitted the manager’s return ‘will not be any time soon’.

The stand-in boss says Cotterill used up a lot of immunity and strength in throwing himself into the Shrewsbury job after his late November appointment.

But the virus continues to hit him hard and will again be continuing in watching games from his bed in hospital.

“He’s had a bit of a bad week to be honest again.”

Shrewsbury Town manager Steve Cotterill remains in hospital with coronavirus.

➡ https://t.co/VtXR4nwCm3 #Shrews #bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/KpjILZP05o

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 28, 2021

Wilbraham said the frustrated boss ‘misses the players terribly’, though is still having his say on transfers with head of recruitment Keith Burt and chief executive Brian Caldwell, as well as taking training reports from Wilbraham and David Longwell.

“He’s still in hospital. He had a bit of a bad week to be honest, again, he keeps having these setback with little things,” Wilbraham said.

“I’ve not spoke to him a lot this week. When he first took the job he used up a lot of his immunity and strength, he didn’t take a day off and he’s been hit really hard by the virus.

“He’s put so much work in, he’s usually such a strong character, I’ve had several people message me not being able to believe it because he’s so strong and fit usually.

“He’s just down not being around the training ground and the day-to-day running of things, because he misses the lads terribly.

“He’s obviously really frustrated being away, he was glad Burton was called off because it’s one less game he’ll miss.

“He’s still having a say in things but with a lot of appointments with nurses and doctors it’s hard to get hold of him at times. It’s been a tough week for him but he’s doing OK.

“The main thing is he gets fit and healthy, everything else comes second. He’s heavily involved as much as he can be and itching to get back.

“It’s not going to be any time soon, the minute the gaffer can be back he will be.”

Fans gave their reaction after finding out the latest news on the manager…

@FrancisLaye: Get well soon Steve.. keep showing that West Country spirit

@Wolfie23499325: Wish him a speedy recovery

@craggsmn: BBC5 Live reported he was still picking the team. How appalling. He should be doing nothing job related. His employers should be ashamed. His only job is getting better.

@ReedyLiam: Hope he recovers soon. Hideous Virus

@FPLnashville: Poor Cotts, sounds like he’s been hit pretty hard with COVID. No doubt Shrewsbury are in good hands with Aaron Wilbraham but hope to see Cotts barking expletives from the touch line again soon (my experience from sitting in the Williams Stand at Ashton Gate)

@mattyadders: Keep fighting SC.

@tommybu86288239: You’re in hospital and still you persist on picking the team. What an idiot. Your health should be more important than a fucking game of football

@daleskitt: Thanks for the update, I’d be surprised if we saw him back in work before March at the earliest, and even when he does return to games I guess he will watch the first few from the stands before returning to the dugout? He’s got to take his time with this.

@pauldav81858203: Love this man, come on cotts ❤️

@FollowTheTown1: Get well soon. A message to anybody who thinks Covid is like having a cold or the flu. It isn’t.

@theshrew88: Get well soon SC

@CraigJF: Keep going, Boss! The man who gave me a season I will never forget with Bristol City

@TORBlogs: Come on gaffer, you’ve go to get through this

@BS3Talk: Come on Cotts ❤️