Defender Signs Short-Term Deal Until January
Zak has been allocated the number 4 shirt for Shrewsbury Town."I've seen bits and bobs of Shrewsbury over the past so I knew what they were about," he said.
"I like the style and the way they approach games.
"I played under Steve McLaren at Derby and the really tried to play total football out from the back.
"It was a good couple of years learning from him and I enjoy wanting to play.
"My aim is to get games under my belt and challenge here for a starting place.
"I'm signed until January and when we get to then we'll sit down and reassess where I'm at.
"The main aim while I'm here is to get up the table, which is what everyone else wants to do."
And the defender feels his style will suit Town having played football out from the back at Derby.
"The manager and the coaching staff have been spot on with me," said Whitbread.
"I spoke to the manager at the end of last week, had a great chat and I was just really excited by his passion and drive for the football club.
"He really got me buzzing to come down and I watched the game on Saturday.
"His track record says it all. He's been successful.
"You can tell that because he's so passionate, it's rubbed off on me and I wanted to be a part of that."
Whitbread admitted that, after a chat with Micky, his mind was made up to join the Shrews.
"I'm looking forward to really pushing for a spot and moving this club in the right direction," said Whitbread.
"It's a great ground and a great place, so I'm looking forward to getting started."
"I'm as hungry as ever, I'm feeling fit and really good. I still think I've got a lot to offer for a 31-year-old going forward.
"I'm confident that I'm not too far off from getting competitive matches. I've worked hard over the summer and while I've been here (on trial).
"I've enjoyed the week, there's a great set of lads here."
Whitbread, who left the Rams in the summer, has on been on trial with the Club recently and was pleased to have impressed manager Micky Mellon.
The 31-year-old, whose former clubs include Liverpool, Leicester City and Derby County among others, put pen to paper on a deal at Greenhous Meadow on Friday.
Shrewsbury Town are delighted to announce the signing on defender Zak Whitbread on a short-term deal until January.