Shrewsbury Town striker John Marquis says no-one at the club expected this season to be so difficult and the remaining four games will be used to try to build the foundation for a better campaign next term.
Salop had a tough first six months of 2025-26 in League Two and were only two points clear of the relegation zone when Michael Appleton was replaced by Gavin Cowan at the end of January.
Cowan's arrival triggered an immediate upturn in results and, after five wins in his first seven games and seven in 15 so far, Town go into Saturday’s visit of Oldham knowing victory could guarantee safety.
"We know it's been a difficult season and we didn't imagine that we'd be in this position with four games to go," Marquis told BBC Radio Shropshire.
"However, nothing's done yet and whatever does happen [on Saturday] we want to finish the season well.
"We've got four games which can gather momentum, it can put down building blocks for next season."
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Currently 11 points above the relegation zone, a win, coupled with Barrow dropping points against Barnet, would seal Shrewsbury's place in the EFL for next season and avoid the potential of a second straight relegation.
And Marquis said it is a chance to end the campaign positively.
"Whatever happens between now and the end of the season it's about momentum, it's about people showing that they're here for the right reasons and they want to see this club progress.
"We know certainly this season, and obviously off the back of a relegation last season, the past 18 months have not been how anyone would have envisioned but I feel like we're in a much better place now.
"The management staff have got big plans and a big picture moving forward and it's exciting. A lot of people want to be a part of it and the manager's going to make sure that the people are here that do want to be a part of it.
"There's still 12 points up for grabs and we want to try to get all 12 if we can."
'I want to show why I should be here next season'
Marquis is out of contract in the summer but said his main focus has been on the team rather than his future.
"My first aim was to make sure that Shrewsbury Town was safe in League Two next season and then my personal situation looks after itself," he said.
"Although it's not been a prolific season for me, I did play the first six months of the season in a bit of a deeper position, so I haven't probably been able to get the goals that I would have liked.
"However, I feel like my performances have been at a decent level on a whole. The way that the manager wants to play I think really suits me and the next four games are important.
"I want to be able to show the reasons why I think I should be here next season."
