Graham Turner relishes new Shrewsbury dawn

Shrewsbury Town kick off the new League Two season against Bradford City tomorrow in front of what is expected to be a bumper opening day crowd.

Early indications are that more than 7,000 fans could be at the Greenhous Meadow - with 1,000 of those making the journey from West Yorkshire.

And Town boss Graham Turner, who will be in the dugout for his first competitive match since returning to the club, knows how important the curtain raiser against Peter Taylor's men is.

He said: "It's a particularly appetising game to start with against the pre-season title favourites for the division.

"I'm sure they'll bring a few and we are hopeful of a good crowd.

"That will put a bit of extra pressure on the players, as there always is for the first game of the season, but I'm sure we have the players capable of responding to that pressure."

Several of Town's nine summer signings are expected to be on show, with Turner having a near full squad to choose from.

Apart from long-term injury casualty Nathan Elder, only striker Kris Bright is unavailable for the opener as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury.

But Turner is keeping his team selection close to his chest.

He said: "It's just a case of seeing who makes the starting XI and who we pick in the 18.

"Lionel Ainsworth has only played a bit in pre-season but he is in contention.

"It is a similar story with Sean McAlister who hasn't played much so we just have to decide if they are ready to go straight into the team."

Meanwhile, Town defender Dean Holden today joined League Two rivals Rotherham United on a one month's loan deal.

Holden has slipped down the pecking order at the club since the arrival of David Raven, but Turner maintained the Scottish full back remained in his first team plans.

He said: "At the moment it is very much just a one month loan deal.

"It give us the opportunity to have a look at him and gives him the chance to play first team football."