New striker Matt Harrold has been tipped to prove a big hit at Shrewsbury Town – and could soon be joined by another forward.
Former Wycombe man Harrold became the latest addition after signing a two-year deal, while boss Graham Turner admitted he was on the brink of bringing more strikepower to the Greenhous Meadow as the Chronicle went to press.
“It’s another step in the right direction, and there will be other signings,” said Turner.
“I’ve been a bit frustrated that I’ve not been able to bring in players as quickly as I would have liked but it’s taking shape now.
“We’re talking to players and agents, and I’m close to bringing in another forward.”
Harrold, a 25-year-old front man who has played more than 200 games in spells with Brentford, Yeovil and Southend as well as Wycombe, is seen as the perfect man for the job.
“After losing last season’s top scorer (Dave Hibbert), the injuries to Kris Bright and Nathan Elder have left us a little light up front and Matt is exactly what I’ve been looking for,” added Turner.
“He’s a big strong lad, a good target man who will score goals for us. I’m delighted to have got a striker of his experience on board.
“Matt has joined in good time, allowing him to be involved in all pre-season games which will help him gain his fitness and settle at the football club.”
The arrival of front man Harrold – who netted 17 goals in 73 games for Wycombe – comes after Turner completed his third defensive signing of the summer when former Liverpool youngster David Raven joined from Carlisle.
He followed Mat Sadler and Ian Sharps to the League Two club and the Town chief is now happy with the defensive options available to him.
Raven, who can play at right back or centre half, has arrived from Carlisle on a one-year deal. The 25-year-old began his career as a youngster at Anfield, where he had a spell as reserve team captain and a loan stint at Tranmere before moving on to Carlisle.
“David is a good, experienced defender who is well respected in the game,” said Turner.
“I have said before that you need flexible players in your squad, and we have that in David who can play either right back or centre half.
“We have got good defensive options.”
Town, meanwhile, could take heart from their performance before losing 4-2 at Premier League big guns Birmingham City in a behind closed doors friendly this week, Lewis Neal and Benjamin van den Broek getting their replies.
“It was a very good workout in terms of fitness and passing,” added manager Turner.
“Birmingham had their good players playing, and it was an excellent exercise in hard work, particularly when they had the ball.”
Town’s new recruits will get a chance to impress when Shrewsbury embark on next week’s Joma South West Challenge Cup in Devon as they step up their pre-season preparations.
They open with a clash at Ilfracombe on Monday, then tackle Rushden & Diamonds on Thursday.
And, should they reach the latter stages, they could have the prospect of meeting Premier League new boys Blackpool and Championship side Doncaster Rovers who are also in the competition.
Former Shrewsbury boss Paul Simpson, meanwhile, has wasted little time in returning to management after taking charge of League Two rivals Stockport County.
By John Bridgwater