Boss Paul Simpson has hailed one of the best pre-seasons of his career as a fully-fit Shrewsbury Town gear up for the League Two campaign.The Town chief was back on the training ground this morning after giving his squad a few days off – and he is raring to go for Saturday’s opener at home to Macclesfield Town.

Ever the shrewd operator, Simpson is not giving any hints as to his starting line-up for the big clash – but he admits to being delighted at having a full rota of 26 players in the frame.

Left-back Marc Tierney is now close to full fitness after missing the Spanish training camp last month with a tendon injury and all other niggles have cleared up.

“Everybody was training today and things are looking good,” said Simpson.

“We’ve got 22 outfield players and four goalkeepers out there fighting for a shirt and it’s up to us as a team of coaches to come up with a side.

“I can’t remember the last time I had a whole squad come through pre-season without injuries to show for it and it’s a real big boost for us.

“Credit must go to the medical staff and to the planning – particularly by John McMahon and Stuart Delaney (the assistant manager and coach) – for everything they’ve done.”

Simpson has been pleased with his side’s efforts in the last month, but admits it will all count for nothing if they fail to perform against the Silkmen at the weekend.

“We just want to start now,” he added. “We’re all in good shape and we can’t wait for Saturday to come – it’s the day we’ve all been waiting for.

“We’ve worked hard in pre-season and it’s all been about getting ready for this one day so now we have to make sure we go out and deliver.

“There have been a couple of games where our performances have not been right, but that’s been good because it’s given us something to work on and look to put right.”

* Spaces are still available on the coaches running from Oswestry, Wem and Telford to Saturday’s game, collecting supporters at the usual pick-up points.For more information, contact Chris Smith on (01952) 604742.

By Chris Hudson