Manager Paul Simpson is eyeing the next stage of Shrewsbury Town’s development after agreeing to extend his stay at the Prostar Stadium.

Simpson committed his future to the club until the end of the 2011-12 campaign yesterday by adding a further 12 months to his existing contract.

The Town chief is happy with the progress the club has made since succeeding Gary Peters in March 2008, but now wants to push on further.

“I have enjoyed it since I have been at the club and I’m delighted to have agreed another 12 months,” said Simpson.

“When I came in, I was surprised how much needed to be addressed but we are going down the line of trying to address things as much as we possibly can.

“I’m pleased with the progress we have made but I know there is a helluva lot more work to be done.

“This gives us a bit more stability but I still know we need to get results on the pitch and be winning games of football for me to be able to see out my contract.”

Former Carlisle and Preston boss Simpson is happy to map a long-term future at the club.

“I’ve enjoyed it here and I want to stay for as long as the chairman wants me,” he added.”My family are really settled in the area and it’s very similar to Cumbria, which is where I’m from.

“I want to stay here but I want to be successful and take the club forward.

“I think we are playing more attractive football. We are trying to entertain and hopefully we will keep improving on that.

“If we can keep improving as we are as a football club and a football team, we have every chance of achieving something.

“We came so close last season. I think we have got better quality – maybe not better numbers but better quality – and hopefully that will show over the 46 games.”

Town reserves are in action tonight when they entertain Sheffield Wednesday at the Prostar Stadium.

Goalkeeper Chris Neal makes his comeback following a near two-month absence with a groin problem, while Steve Leslie, Kris Bright, Harry Hooman and Andre Gray are amongst the other first-team squad members involved.

Nathan Elder will miss out for some scheduled treatment on the fractured eye socket he suffered playing for Brentford last season.

By JAMES GARRISON