Gary Peters today hailed Shrewsbury Town’s “tremendous” start to the season – and backed his former club to soon climb out of the Football League basement.

In his first interview since leaving the club seven months ago, Peters revealed his pleasure at seeing Town lying in League Two’s top six under his replacement Paul Simpson after 10 games of the campaign.

And he insisted the determination of chairman Roland Wycherley will be the driving force behind the club’s desire to climb the divisions.

“What Shrewsbury are doing now is tremendous and I’m delighted – Paul is doing a great job,” said Peters.

“There was quite a few people being put forward for the job at the time. Paul was one of them and he did a magnificent job at Carlisle and had a great track record at Rochdale.

“It didn’t work out quite as well for him at Preston but he did enough at Carlisle and Rochdale to deserve a job like Shrewsbury.

“The support I got when I was manager was great and I’m not surprised (to see more investment) because I know how committed the chairman is.

“Shrewsbury will definitely go into a higher division and I think that statement carries even more weight now I have left.

“I can definitely see the club in League One but I don’t think the chairman will give up until he gets into the Championship – he is that committed to the club.

“It’s a great club. The way I left was so amicable. I didn’t say a bad word about the club because there wasn’t a bad word to say.”

Peters insists he has not applied for a job since leaving Town – but has not entirely ruled out a return to the game in which he spent 38 years.

“I have missed the buzz and working with the lads,” he added. “I have not applied for a job or approached anyone – I have had people phone me and I’ve said I would not be available

“I had 38 years without a break in football and I thought it was the right time to leave Shrewsbury.

“I couldn’t totally rule out (coming back into football) because it’s in the blood.”

* Shrewsbury Town’s official supporters club still have seats available on coaches for Tuesday’s trip to Accrington. Call Ian on 07981 593437.

By James Garrison