Boss Simpson working late for deals

Manager Paul Simpson has not given up hope of strengthening his Shrewsbury Town squad before the transfer window closes on Monday.

Paul SimpsonManager Paul Simpson has not given up hope of strengthening his Shrewsbury Town squad before the transfer window closes on Monday.

But the Town boss has admitted his pursuit for re-inforcements has been frustrating, with phone calls with chairman Roland Wycherley going late into the evening.

The Town boss has spent January searching for options to bolster his ranks for their League Two promotion push.

So far, Shrewsbury's only recruit has been Huddersfield full-back Joe Skarz who is on loan for the rest of the season.

"It has been a frustrating time but there are still things on the go," said Simpson.

"We have been working hard and we have had nights this week when the last phone call between me and the chairman was after 11pm and the first one the next morning was 7.30am.

"My focus today is on the game with Accrington but when that's over, we will be back working to see if we can do anything before 5pm on Monday. If we can't the loan window opens again in another week."

Meanwhile, Kelvin Langmead has welcomed the added competition for defensive places following the signing of Skarz saying: "All footballers thrive on competition and we were short of numbers defensively," said Langmead.