Shrewsbury Town supporters have given a resounding thumbs up to manager Paul Simpson ahead of his first full campaign in charge – with season ticket sales crashing through the 2,000 barrier today.Town followers have remained loyal to their team, despite enduring a hugely disappointing 2007-8 season in which Shrewsbury could only muster an 18th place finish in League Two.

Final ticket sales last season reached 2,500, and there are signs that figure could be exceeded before the first ‘early bird’ deadline on Saturday.

Some 1,990 had been purchased after an hour’s trading this morning, with club officials confirming season tickets have been snapped up at a rate well in excess of 100-a-day during this week.

“The response from the supporters has been absolutely magnificent,” said general manager Jon Harris.

“When we started off, we were a bit in the dark about how the season ticket sales would go.

“Last season was disappointing, especially after the trip to Wembley the year before.

“It just goes to show what fantastic support we have got and that there is a stalwart band of 3,500-4,000 supporters.”

Supporters who purchase season tickets before Saturday, when the ticket office will be open from 10am until 4pm, will benefit from the first ‘early bird’ offer which effectively represents seven free matches.

A second ‘early bird’ offer will then run until July 14, which will give fans an effective four free matches.

Meanwhile, Shrewsbury will learn their first round Carling Cup opponents tomorrow morning.

The Football League fixtures are then released on Monday morning.

* Speculation in the national media today continued to link former Town goalkeeper Joe Hart with a summer switch from Manchester City to Tottenham Hotspur.