Boss Paul Simpson has refused to rule out further additions to Shrewsbury Town’s squad ahead of the start of the season – admitting they were short in defensive areas.

The Town chief remains convinced they have enough quality to be competing at the top end of the table in the coming campaign.

But he admits they will need to keep everyone fit and firing if they are to avoid having to make too many dips into the loan market for new recruits.

“We’re always looking around to strengthen the squad,” said Simpson.

“We’re a little bit short in the centre-half areas and at right-back, and we haven’t got a recognised left-back.

“If you wanted to be negative, you could say we need to get a few in, but I’m going to be positive and say we’ve got good players in those positions.

“I want to keep them fit so we don’t need to bring anyone else in.”

Simpson has also begun the process of looking for a new player to play on the right of midfield following Chris Humphrey’s defection to Motherwell.

Humphrey’s decision to reject the offer of a two-year contract at Shrewsbury and join the Scottish Premier League side has freed up some funds to bring in a replacement.

Simpson has targets in the frame but admits there is no deal which is due to be completed any time soon.

“It’s progressing slowly at the minute,” he said.

“There’s a couple of players in mind that we’re considering and we’ve also got a couple of trialists in training with us.

“I may look to involve them in a couple of the reserve fixtures we’ve got coming up, but there is nothing likely to happen shortly.”