There is no such thing as a quiet week for Shrewsbury at the moment as another player with a top reputation joins the club, writes Shrews blogger James Pugh.

Despite it being the man who ruined our dreams of promotion at Wembley two seasons ago, I for one am delighted that we have signed yet another top striker with a proven goalscoring record in Richard Walker.

And I am sure fans will not bear any grudges when he pulls on the Town top this season and hopefully lead us to promotion, like he did at Bristol Rovers.

Again Simpson and the back room staff must be applauded for convincing another player to drop a division, especially when teams in League One were interested in signing him.

It’s also an excellent bit of business because this time next season his contract will be up at Bristol Rovers and we will be able to sign him for free rather than pay a fee for him now.

With the signings we have made we must be one of the favourites to get promoted. This was the same last season, but compared to the squad we had then, this one is a lot stronger in all departments.

Another player we have been linked with is ex-Wolves keeper Michael Oakes. Another big name and he would be an excellent acquisition to the squad. If he was to come then surely one of our present keepers would be shown the door. But which one?

Ben Davies has been given the captain’s armband during pre-season. Although he wouldn’t be my choice to be the captain permanently once the season gets under way, I can understand why Simpson has made the decision so that he can take a look at the new players he has brought it.

With the new season not far away its time to start thinking about the starting line-up for the first league game. With such a large squad Simpson has certainly got plenty of choice, especially upfront. What would be the fans first XI against Macclesfield?

Mine would be: Garner, Herd, Tierney, Langmead, Jackson, Pugh, Davies, McIntyre, Murray, Holt, Walker.

This may well change after I have seen the new players in action during pre-season and if we sign any new players, but one thing that is for sure is that fans cannot help being excited about the new season.