Boss Paul Simpson has shrugged off the pressure of seeing Shrewsbury Town named the bookies’ League Two favourites, but insisted: “We’re desperate to prove them right.”

Town were as low as 32-5 with the World Bet Exchange today and are 7-1 with most of the High Street bookmakers to be crowned champions come May.

But Simpson insists that will not faze him or his players, who will just focus on trying to be in the hunt at the business end of the season.

“It doesn’t really bother me, it’s not something I take notice of,” he declared. “You’re under pressure in any football job and I definitely won’t be having a bet.

“We know it’s going to be a long season and everyone’s opinions will change from one week to the next.

“Everyone’s positive now but we know that can change very quickly if we have a couple of bad games.

“We’ve just got to keep our heads together over the long 46-game campaign and hope that in the end we can prove them right.”

Meanwhile, a Shrewsbury reserve side featuring 10 first team squad members won 3-1 at Buxton last night, with goals from Guy Madjo, Kelvin Langmead and Dave Hibbert. Buxton scored a late consolation.

Young first year pro Jasbir Singh went in goal for the hosts in the second half last night, but is not in line for any kind of move to the UniBond League club.

Simpson admits that very few players did themselves many favours in terms of trying to muscle their way into his starting line-up.

“There were a couple who did well but, in the main, the performance wasn’t particularly good so that’s disappointing,” he added.

“But they are all part of the squad and they’re definitely in with a chance of a place on the bench on Saturday.

“Overall it’s been a really pleasing pre-season. We know results don’t really count for anything but it’s been about players taking on board what we want to do.”

* Simpson will take questions from supporters at a fans’ forum in the Sovereign Suite at the Prostar Stadium tomorrow evening (7.30pm).

By Chris Hudson