Former boss Paul Simpson today insisted he had fond memories of his stint at Shrewsbury Town – as he prepares to go head-to-head with the club which sacked him in April.

Simpson, now manager at Stockport, faces a first meeting with his former employers since his departure on Saturday when Town make the trip to Edgeley Park.

And Simpson has revealed he retains happy memories from his 25 months at the club.

“There were some successes and there were some disappointments but there are some great memories, particularly of my first full season,” he said.

“We played some wonderful attacking football and to score seven goals twice in the same season was a fantastic achievement.

“We went to Wembley so I must have been doing something right at some point.

“I’m looking forward to Saturday because it’s the next game. It would be nice to get a good reception (from the Shrewsbury fans) but if I don’t, I’m not going to sulk.

“I never had a problem with the away supporters. They were always very passionate and they showed that again on Tuesday when they out-sung the Stoke supporters.”

Simpson carried out a scouting mission in that Carling Cup second round encounter – but is expecting a changed line-up from Shrewsbury on Saturday.

“I don’t think that will be the team that plays against us,” added Simpson.

“I will have to wait and see the team-sheet but I would expect the likes of Jake Robinson, Matt Harrold and Lionel Ainsworth to come back in. It will be a strong side whoever plays because Graham has made some really good signings over the summer.”

Simpson is aiming to rebuild Stockport after the Manchester club suffered its share of financial troubles over the past two seasons.

They have managed two draws and a defeat from their first three League games.

“It’s tough but I always knew it would be,” he added.

“But I’m enjoying every minute of it.

“I’m not deluded enough to think that we could compete with Shrewsbury on a weekly basis but hopefully on Saturday we can.”

A youthful Shrewsbury reserve team was beaten 2-0 by Wrexham at the Greenhous Meadow last night.