Paul Simpson has marked his second anniversary as Shrewsbury Town boss by declaring: “I would love to be here for a long time to come. ”

Simpson, whose team were hosting table-topping Rochdale in a promotion blockbuster this afternoon, is determined to become the man to end Town’s 15-year-wait for a promotion within the Football League.

He has already taken Shrewsbury to a play-off final at Wembley, only to lose to a last minute Gillingham goal, and is hoping for at least a top seven finish this term.

And his growing affinity with both Shropshire and the club means Simpson is eyeing a lengthy stint at the helm.

“I, and my family, love living in the area and I love working for the football club,” said Simpson.

“I want to be here for a long time but I know results will dictate that, like they do for any manager.

“We will keep pushing. We all want to get promoted to the next level and we will keep working as hard as we possibly can to try and make that happen.”

Simpson was taking charge of his 104th game for Town this afternoon and, prior to the Rochdale encounter, had won 37, drawn 31 and lost 35.

Meanwhile, Simpson has admitted he is preparing – at this stage – to write midfielder Craig Disley out of his plans for the remainder of the campaign.

Disley’s injury-ravaged season took a fresh twist when he broke his ankle at Rotherham a fortnight ago.

And Simpson has admitted any action the former Bristol Rovers man gets between now and the end of the season will be a bonus.

“Craig is doing his rehabilitation and is a lot more comfortable than he was,” he added.

“The signs are good that he is progressing but we will just have to see if he is available before the end of the season.

“I would say at the moment it’s unlikely but if he recovers well and is available this season, it would be fantastic for us.”