The contract saga surrounding Chris Humphrey today came to a dramatic conclusion as the Shrewsbury Town winger joined Motherwell.

While Town were preparing for their opening pre-season friendly at Northwich Victoria tonight, the Scottish Premier League club were confirming that Humphrey had penned a three-year deal.

Reports of Motherwell’s interest emerged late last night, with the club releasing a statement announcing the move had been finalised at lunchtime today.

Humphrey was offered a new two-year deal at the Prostar Stadium at the end of last season, but has continued to hold out for a possible move to a higher ranked League club.

And he has now joined Motherwell – now managed by former Stockport chief Jim Gannon – after being tempted by the prospect of playing in the top flight of Scottish football and the Europa League.

Humphrey will not, however, be available for his new club’s European venture tomorrow night when they travel to Albania to play KS Flamurtai Vlore in the second qualifying round first leg as he has not registered in time.

The 21-year-old’s departure is likely to see Town boss Paul Simpson move back into the transfer market as he seeks reinforcements on the right side of midfield.

It also leaves Simpson a body light for tonight’s trip to Blue Square North outfit Northwich (7.45pm).

Definitely missing are Mike Jackson, who is facing anything up to three months on the sidelines with a knee injury, and Grant Holt who is resting his ankle after a summer operation.

David Hibbert and Glyn Garner are also still recovering from injury problems.

That has prompted Simpson, who is hoping to give all his first-team squad a minimum of 45 minutes this evening, to call up three youth team players – full-back Danny Taylor, midfielder Will Richard and winger Jon Taylor.

All of Town’s new summer signings are likely to play some part in the game.