New arrival Paul Murray is hoping promotion with Shrewsbury Town can provide the perfect tonic to his troubled season at Gretna.Murray spent last term with former Town assistant Mick Wadsworth at the crisis-hit Scottish Premier League club.

Financial problems meant the players have received only sporadic wage payments in recent months, while the entire staff was made redundant earlier in the week as the battle to preserve Grenta continues.

Murray, however, had already guaranteed his exit after agreeing a two-year-deal with Town.

And the 31-year-old, who lists Southampton and QPR as among his former clubs, is hoping for better fortunes at Oteley Road.

“What was going on and not getting paid at times was tough but it stood me in good stead,” said Murray.

“Quite a few players moved on but, despite the problems, I worked hard all season. I feel I did well and deserved this move.

“It’s something I’m really looking forward to. I have spoken to the manager and the chairman and the club is set up for big things.

“Promotion is the key to it – there are four teams who get promoted and I would think we will be there or thereabouts.”

Sources in Crewe suggest Shrewsbury manager Paul Simpson is keeping tabs on young Railwaymen goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams.

He has been a regular for the Welsh age groups, including at under-21 level, but hasn’t made a first-team start for Crewe, where he has rejected a new three-year contract.