Former Lincoln City winger Anthony Scully says he is “the happiest he’s been in years” after scoring twice in Shrewsbury Town’s FA Cup win over South Shields.
The 26-year-old helped Michael Appleton’s side to a 3-1 victory in the first round at the 1st Cloud Arena, continuing a fine run of form that has seen him net three goals in two games.
Scully joined Shrewsbury in the summer on a one-year deal after leaving Portsmouth, and while injuries initially hampered his progress, he now looks to be rediscovering the form that once made him a fan favourite at the Bank.
Rediscovering His Spark
Scully revealed that an honest conversation with Appleton, his former Imps mentor, helped reignite his confidence and focus.
“I’m loving it and I’m the happiest I’ve been in years,” he said. “I love my team-mates, I love the staff, and the environment we have created is really good.
“I had my issues at the start with the injury I was playing on for a few weeks, and naturally if you’re not fit or not playing, you’re not enjoying it either.
“When I came back I had a really good chat with the gaffer, and he’s got me back to the player I was a few years ago.”
It was Appleton who originally brought Scully to Lincoln in February 2020 from West Ham United’s academy. During his time with the Imps, the Irishman made over 100 appearances and scored 37 goals, becoming a key figure in the side that reached the 2021 League One play-off final.
He was the first Imps to hit 15 in a season two seasons in a row since Matt Rhead, and the first to do it as a Football League player since the early eighties.
That earned him a six-figure move to Wigan Athletic, but injuries have dogged him since. He’s now fit and firing once again, hoping to pull Salop away from the bottom of the table, alongside another former Imp, Sam Clucas.
Thankful for Fan Support
Scully also paid tribute to Shrewsbury’s supporters after around 400 fans made the long trip to the North East.
“It was brilliant away support, as we’ve had all season,” he said. “We’ve not had the best start, we know that, but the fans have helped us through certain games with the run we’ve been on.
“They’ve been just as important to us as we have been on the pitch.”
Having rediscovered his scoring touch and confidence, Scully will hope his resurgence can continue as Shrewsbury aim to climb the League Two table and enjoy another FA Cup run.
The former Imp’s reunion with Appleton appears to be paying off — and City fans who remember his sharp finishing and tireless energy will be pleased to see him back enjoying his football again.
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