Boss Paul Simpson believes the chance for a brief escape from the miserable British summer could prove the perfect bonding tool for his new-look Shrewsbury Town.A 20-man Town squad jet off to Spain tomorrow for a four-day camp in Almeria, where they will step up their preparations for the League Two campaign.

Simpson is convinced it has come at the perfect time, with the constant heavy rain of recent days having played havoc with his training programme.

“We’re fortunate to have a ground staff who have prepared our pitches very well, but it has been lashing down with rain and that does effect what you can do,” he said.

“All we seem to have been doing over here is fighting the weather, but over there we’ll have the sun on our backs and it will raise everyone’s spirits. It’s going to be hard work, but I’m not going to be beating them with a stick.

“It’s going to be structured training, just as the first part of pre-season training has been, and I’m looking forward to it. We’ll be doing three sessions a day and there will also be time put aside for them to rest. It will give us a chance to get together and talk about what we want to do this season, and gain an understanding.”

Meanwhile, tickets have gone on sale for Shrewsbury’s Carling Cup first round clash with Carlisle United on Tuesday, August 12.

Town are expecting a decent crowd for the clash with one of the sides who are fancied to launch a challenge for promotion from League One this season.

And the tie carries extra significance for Simpson, who cut his managerial teeth at the Cumbrians – guiding the club to promotion from the Conference.

Season ticket holders have up until the close of business on August 6 in which to buy their tickets and guarantee their seat.

But, after that date, all tickets will then be made available for general sale.

It will be the second home game in three days for Town, who open their League Two campaign with the visit of Macclesfield on August 9.

Tickets can be bought in person from the ticket office at the ground, or by phone by calling 01743-273943.

* The club ticket office will open until 7pm on Monday, giving fans one last chance to snap up season tickets at ‘early bird’ prices.

By Chris Hudson