Boss Graham Turner has begun his pursuit of new blood to freshen up his Shrewsbury Town squad — with up to five new signings.

The Town chief is keen to carry a squad of around 22 players next season as he aims to go one better than this term’s play-off semi-final agony.

And with David Raven, Kevin McIntyre, Craig Disley, Harry Hooman, Danny Taylor, Benjamin van den Broek and Kelvin Lomax — the right back who signed on a short term deal in January — all leaving the club, Turner has now turned his focus to strengthening.

“We certainly have our targets and we are working towards trying to bring a conclusion to discussions on quite a number of players,” said the Town boss.

“We have fallen short this season and we need to make sure we are that much stronger next time.

“We will probably be looking to bring four or five in.

“We are only taking one from the youth team (Luke Male) on a six month contract and the rest coming in will be, in the main, senior players.”

Turner admits the recruitment will be harder for Town’s play-off defeat, while he may also have to play a waiting game as he pursues his targets.

“We have a problem in as much as we have stayed in League Two but that is offset somewhat by the facilities we have got here which are very impressive,” he added.

“We hope to persuade one or two players who are wanted by clubs in a higher division that this is the place for them to come.

“We hope to get people signed sooner rather than later but you can never tell.

“Players always become that much better in the close season in their own minds.”