Boss Paul Simpson believes the eve-of-season capture of three new faces have given Shrewsbury Town a much-needed boost in physical presence.

Simpson has moved to sign midfielder Joss Labadie and strikers Nathan Elder and Kris Bright this week.

All three were expected to be involved in the squad for this afternoon’s League Two opener against Burton Albion at the Prostar Stadium.

And the Town chief is confident that Shrewsbury now have the necessary muscle to compete with their rivals over the next nine months.

“We’ve got Nathan Elder to add to the quality we’ve already got,” he said.

“And then, with the signing of Kris Bright and Joss Labadie on Monday, I think it gives us a stronger, more physical squad with a decent level of ability.

“In League Two you have got to have big, physical players, and we have that now.

“I looked at Joss and you can see he has filled out since he was here on loan last season. He is a lot stronger.

“Last week we were wondering if we’d even be able to name seven substitutes today, but we have got options now.

“I have to admit I was a little bit worried looking at the size of the squad a week or 10 days ago, but getting the three signings in will make a big difference.”

Meanwhile, Simpson has welcomed the fact that the division will be a level playing field this season, with everybody starting on an equal footing.

Last season was a different story, with Luton – who were ultimately relegated – beginning on minus 30 while Rotherham and Bournemouth both had a 17-point handicap.

But there are no such problems this season, with Darlington coming out of administration this week and escaping any points deduction.

“It will make it a proper league this year,” said Simpson. “It can actually work to some teams’ advantage to start on minus points in a funny way.”