Boss Paul Simpson today moved to pep up Shrewsbury Town’s attacking options – unveiling striker Nick Chadwick as his first permanent signing of the January transfer window.

Chadwick, who became available after being released by Hereford, goes straight into Town’s squad for tomorrow’s League Two derby with Chester City at the Prostar Stadium.

The Stoke-born 26-year-old began his career at Everton, where he made 14 appearances in the Premiership before moving onto Plymouth Argyle for £250,000.

Loan spells at Derby and Millwall followed before he joined the Bulls in the summer – despite an approach from Shrewsbury at the time – but he left Edgar Street after scoring just once in 12 appearances.

“He’s a player I saw coming through at Everton and I’ve kept an eye on him over the years,” said Simpson, who has handed Chadwick a contract to the end of the season.”He missed a lot of football through injury while he was at Plymouth, but the challenge to him now is to prove that he deserves to stay here longer.

“He’s got a good pedigree – he’s been at some good clubs and there’s still a lot of football left in him.

“He’s not played a hell of a lot of games, but they have all been at a higher level than we are now.

“At Hereford he didn’t play a lot of games and when he did it tended to be as a lone striker.”

Meanwhile, midfielder David Hunt has left the club after agreeing a settlement on the remainder of his contract.

The 26-year-old, who made four first team appearances this term, was out of contract at the end of the season.

“He’s a player who I have had a good look at and I’ve decided that he isn’t quite what we are looking for,” added Simpson.

Hunt was the third player to leave the club this week, with loan signings Joss Labadie and Jamie White both heading back to their parent clubs.

Labadie returned to West Brom after breaking a metatarsal in training, while teenage striker White was recalled by Southampton.

l Town officials are confident tomorrow’s game will go ahead, with no pitch inspection planned at present – though the situation will be monitored overnight.