New recruit Shane Sherriff has revealed the quality of Shrewsbury Town’s other summer arrivals convinced him to drop down a division to League Two.Town have made a string of eye-catching signings with £170,000 record capture Grant Holt, Paul Murray and Michael Jackson all arriving at Oteley Road.

Sherriff became the latest to buy in to the club’s ambitious plans at the weekend when he signed a two-year contract after rejecting similar terms from his former club Tranmere.

The player who came to England from Australia as a 16-year-old, and has since had spells with Leeds, Rochdale, AGF Aarhus in Denmark and at Prenton Park, is excited about his latest challenge.

“There was a lot to think about, both football and family-wise, because I have got two young boys,” said the 25-year-old.

“But the chance of having a new challenge was very appealing.

“At first I was a bit reluctant to drop down a division, but the club definitely want to go places and the opportunity certainly out-weighs the drop down.

“The signings the club have made have been excellent and when they are attracting that type of player, it shows they want to achieve things, so hopefully the drop down is only short-term.

“I worked with the manager (Paul Simpson) when I was on loan at Rochdale and really enjoyed it.

“He has got great experience in football, has had success as a manager and didn’t come out of the game (playing) too long ago so he is still very much in touch.

“I’m looking forward to getting started at pre-season training tomorrow and the big priority is trying to get into that team for the first game of the season.”

Sherriff confirmed he is most at home at centre half – despite having other strings to his bow.

“I have mainly played at left back and left sided centre half,”added the former Australian under-17 and 23 international. “One of the Tranmere midfielders had a serious injury last season so I played left midfield a lot.

“I can do a job there but I feel more at home at left back or centre half – and centre half is probably the one I prefer.”

Former Wolves and Cardiff goalkeeper Michael Oakes has become the latest player rumoured to be attracting interest from Shrewsbury.

By James Garrison