Coaching step for Shrewsbury Town's Michael Jackson

Coach Michael Jackson has prepared for Shrewsbury Town's League One assault in the best possible style – by achieving the sport's highest qualification.

The 38-year-old former defender completed his UEFA Pro Licence earlier this week.

And Jackson, who earned his first coaching job when Graham Turner was appointed as manager at the Greenhous Meadow two years ago, is sure his new qualification will prove useful for Town's return to League One football.

"It's been a lot of work in the last year but it's all worthwhile," said Jackson. "We've had people like Fabio Capello and Rafa Benitez speaking on the course and last week we had two current Premier League managers in Tony Pulis and Brian McDermott.

"To get that kind of insight is invaluable and the manager and the chairman (Roland Wycherely) have been great with it.

"I'm sure it will all help me in my work with Shrewsbury."

Jackson has had spells with Crewe, Tranmere (loan), Preston, Bury, Tranmere, Blackpool and Shrewsbury as a player but saw his chances limited last year because of injury.