Defender Ian Sharps was today named as Shrewsbury Town captain for 2010-11 – as Graham Turner’s side prepare for tonight’s visit of Coventry.

Sharps, who was skipper at Rotherham before his summer switch to the Greenhous Meadow, takes over the captain’s armband from the departed Graham Coughlan.

And boss Turner believes Sharps – who was his first signing in his second spell in charge of Shrewsbury – is the ideal candidate for the role.

“Ian will skipper the side,” confirmed Turner. “He knows the game well and he is a good communicator with the rest of the lads.

“Your skipper is there to sort things out and to be the buffer between the players and the coaching staff.

“It will be a role that Ian will fit comfortably.”

The appointment comes as Shrewsbury prepare for their first home pre-season friendly – and their most high profile – against Aidy Boothroyd’s Coventry.

Club officials are hopeful of a crowd pushing 2,000 for tonight’s visit of the Championship side.

“We have got good challenges to look forward to tonight and against Tranmere on Saturday,” added Turner, who will be managing his first home game since returning to the club from Hereford.

“It’s the chance for the new lads to get out and play on our home pitch and the chance for us to come up against good opposition.”

Striker Matt Harrold is hoping to be fit after suffering a head injury against Rushden & Diamonds on Thursday, but Benjamin van den Broek looks set to miss the meeting with the Sky Blues with an Achilles problem.

• Turner will be the guest at a special fans question and answers session at the Sovereign Lounge at the Greenhous Meadow on Monday (7.30pm start).

By JAMES GARRISON