Dave Edwards throws support behind Mike Jackson

Jackson took over the reins, initially as a caretaker, following Graham Turner's resignation in January.

He was eventually handed the role until the end of the season but was unable to prevent Town's relegation to League Two.

But Edwards, who has just celebrated promotion from League One with current club Wolves, said: "Every one of the boys I've spoken to there really likes him. He seems to have that enthusiasm and comes across as someone who really cares.

"Hopefully he can have a proper pre-season and he can carry doing the job and get them back up."

The club has yet to announce whether it will retain Jackson's services for next season but several Town players have recently voiced their support for him, the latest of which were Connor Goldson and Ryan Woods last week.

Edwards made more than 130 appearances for Shrewsbury in a four-year spell with the club from 2003-2007.

He continues to keep a keen eye on his former club's progress and is hoping they will make an instant return to League One following a dismal campaign this time which has been characterised by a lack of permanent signings and an over-reliance on loan players

He said: "I really feel for them. It's a shame. Whenever I get the chance to watch them I do and I was desperate for them to stay up. I thought they'd really establish themselves this season but for whatever reason, it hasn't happened.

"To have 20 loan players is too much. At Wolves we had two loans, both of which were turned into permanent signings and we've got a really strong team spirit.

"Hopefully they can come straight back up."