CEO Matt Williams working closely with Micky Mellon to bring the right players in
Chief executive Matt Williams confirms Shrewsbury Town’s recruitment is well underway for the new season, and is looking to help build a squad capable of gaining promotion back to League One at the first attempt.
Tom Bradshaw and Connor Goldson have been offered new deals, while Aaron Wildig, Jermaine Grandison and Ryan Woods have taken up options on their contracts to extend their stay at Town. Williams is working closely with new manager Micky Mellon in a bid to continue the progress.
Williams, who starts his new role on May 27, is already heavily involved in Town’s rebuilding process, and admits thorough research will be made on any potential new signings.
“We need to have a squad of players which can compete, play the right way, but are also good people,” said Williams. “I feel it’s important that the players buy into the ethos of Shrewsbury Town. We’ll make sure that they feel a part of the club and the club is part of them.
“Towards the end of the season at Blackpool we had some members of the squad who didn’t really care about the club. I don’t expect everybody to live and breathe Shrewsbury Town, but you want them to be part of the community.
“They need to be out seeing the supporters, engaging with the junior supporters. The main priority at the moment has to be recruitment for the first team and to change supporters’ mind-sets.
“I’ve been relegated before, and it’s a hard pill to take because everybody wants to be successful, but we’re committed to building a squad which the club can be proud of.”
Williams is now in constant contact with Mellon, who was unveiled as Town’s new manager on Monday, and he has been impressed with the dedication the Scot is putting into his new role.
“My first text off Micky Mellon this morning was at ten past seven. I’ve spoken to him a dozen times today and some of the players we’re talking about excite me, which is the main thing.
“He is a really positive person and really enthusiastic. Since he was appointed on Monday it’s fair to say I’ve spoken to him more than my other half, Hannah. He is non-stop, ringing me at 7 o’clock in the morning, all the way to 11 o’clock at night.
“He is keen on recruiting a squad which Shrewsbury Town can be proud of and can challenge at the right end of the table. Micky is committed to playing an attacking brand of football, its positive times for Shrewsbury Town in my opinion,” said Williams.