Shrewsbury Town have withdrawn their reserve side from the Totesport.com League – and will instead concentrate on playing friendlies against local opposition.

Town played in the west division of the Totesport.com League last season, with fixtures against the likes of Wrexham, Preston, Burnley and Accrington Stanley.

But manager Graham Turner has decided to take a different approach next season, arranging second string fixtures as and when needed against Midlands neighbours such as Wolves, West Brom or Birmingham City.

“The gaffer thinks some of the pitches we’ve been playing on aren’t the best,” said reserve team boss Mike Jackson.

“Sometimes the games haven’t been at the right times for us, having to play at 7pm a long way from home.

“With the catchment area around us we can get games with Premier League and Championship clubs and play them when they suit us.

“The gaffer wasn’t happy with the way it was working and we can pick and choose our games now, and organise them as we want.”

Meanwhile, Jackson has also urged young midfielder Luke Male to grasp his chance after being handed a six-month pro contract.

The product of Town’s centre of excellence broke into the reserve side last season before suffering an injury setback.

“He came in last year and did really well but then he suffered a stress fracture on his foot,” said Jackson, who is also going on a Pro Licence coaching course this summer.

“He’s been working hard through the summer. He can play anywhere across the middle of the park and has a good temperament so he’s got a chance.”

By CHRIS HUDSON