Departing defender Marc Tierney today backed Shrewsbury Town to fulfil their promotion dream this season - after himself sealing a move to League One.
The tough-tackling 23-year-old left-back made a surprise loan transfer deadline day switch to Colchester yesterday afternoon.
He was due to train with his new team-mates for the first time this morning, and is hoping to make his debut at Northampton tomorrow.
An initial five-week loan deal has been agreed with the signs suggesting a permanent move could be on the cards when the transfer window re-opens in January.
And Tierney admitted his confidence of achieving success at the Prostar Stadium this season had made the decision to leave even tougher. “It’s been a really hard choice because it’s a great club and I firmly believe Shrewsbury will get promoted this season,” said last season’s player-of-the-year.
“I have thought that since Paul Simpson came in. He has got good players, a good coaching staff and and if he needs backing he will get it 100 per cent off the chairman and the directors.
“Hopefully this will prove the right move for Shrewsbury Town and myself at this stage of my career.
“I believe in my ability so I’m ready to go and fight for my place at Colchester.”Simpson today revealed the full-back had been the target of interest from Stockport in the summer, and admitted the player’s out-of-contract status next summer was significant in agreeing to the loan move.
“We have been talking to Marc and his agent about a new deal and, although the talks weren’t dead, we weren’t too close and it was looking like Marc wanted to keep his options open,” said the Town chief.
“Although he is under 24 and therefore we would have had some compensation if he goes to an English club, we wouldn’t get any if he goes to Scotland and there was talk of clubs up there being interested.
“You have to do what is best for the club.
“We talked again on Wednesday but Marc had a very good offer from Colchester.
“It’s not a case of him being greedy - he’s got a good deal and the chance to go to the next level.
“That’s where we want to go but Marc has got it guaranteed now.”
Simpson is confident he has players in his ranks to cover the loss.
“Shane Cansdell-Sherriff and Neil Ashton can both come in there,” he added.
“They are both good footballers and it’s an opportunity for them.”
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