Luke delighted to back at Shrewsbury
Luke Rodgers is delighted to be a Shrewsbury Town player once again after sealing a return to the club from Portsmouth.
The popular striker has joined Town initially on loan before he will sign a deal to the end of the season once the transfer window re-opens in January.
Rodgers has always followed Shrewsbury's fortunes closely since leaving the club seven years ago and his affection for Town shines through.
"When Shrewsbury showed an interest, I felt it was definitely the right place to go," said Rodgers, 30. "I've always had something about Shrewsbury. Even when I was in New York you look back and check the results. There was always something special about it.
"There were a few clubs interested but for me it was a no-brainer. I wanted to come back here."
Rodgers, in the squad for tomorrow's game at Leyton Orient, added: "It was strange driving up here, bringing back memories and it's really good to be back.
"When I was playing at Portsmouth this season, I felt I did really well. Unluckily for me I got injured and I was out of favour, but that's football, the highs and lows, but there's still a big chunk of the season left and I'm just pleased to be back here and I want to try and do well."
Rodgers revealed he discussed the move with his family given the old adage about never going back but stressed he was excited about signing for the club where he began his career.
He said: "I've been speaking to my family and it was a case of because I did so well here and scored a lot of goals, it's like how was I ever going to do that again?
"People do say 'don't ever go back' but if you don't give it a go what's the worst that can happen?
"I'm just going to try and keep trying hard and I believe if you try hard things can happen anyway and maybe it can get better.
"I feel I can do well. When I saw Shrewsbury play at Portsmouth recently, I thought Shrewsbury were the better team. I thought they were really good. When the opportunity came, I was definitely up for it.
"I'm just buzzing to be back, it's class. I'm going to be giving everything and hopefully do as well as I can."