Shrewsbury Town swoop to sign keepers

Shrewsbury Town today solved their goalkeeping conundrum by signing Chris Weale and Joe Anyon to contest the No.1 spot.

Manager Graham Turner moved to sign Weale, 30, after his release from Leicester while former Port Vale shot-stopper Anyon has spent the last two seasons with Lincoln.

It means last season's first choice Chris Neal has seen his three-year stay with the club brought to an end.

Neal was offered a new deal with Shrewsbury but the sides were unable to reach an agreement.

Weale made 85 appearances during a three-year stint with Championship club Leicester and previously helped guide Yeovil from non-league football to League One.

He has also had a stint with Bristol City and loan spells at Hereford – where he worked under Turner – and Northampton.

"Nigel Pearson took Chris to Leicester and he played under Sven Goran-Eriksson," said the Town boss.

"He has got experience and has played in the Championship. I believe he is a very good goalkeeper."

Anyon, who is 25, made 118 appearances for Port Vale before moving to Lincoln in 2010.

"Joe had a good spell at Port Vale when he first started his career," said Turner.

"He looked an outstanding prospect and them broke his leg and was out for 11 months.

"He picked up his career again at Lincoln and did well and he's another experienced goalkeeper."

The departing Neal could get his future resolved this weekend with Port Vale a possible destination.

"We didn't agree terms so we wish Chris well and hope he continues with a fine career," added Turner, who is hoping to bring in a further two players to add to his current eight signings.

Neal signed from Preston in Paul Simpson's first summer in charge in 2009.

He faced a long battle to claim the first-team shirt but finally dislodged Ben Smith in October last season.

The 26-year-old was an ever-present during the promotion run-in and made 74 appearances for Town.

Town have also been linked with a move for Preston winger Paul Parry.