‘100 per cent key’ - Will Boyle pinpoints Shrewsbury Town’s crucial summer business

Shrewsbury Town captain Will Boyle believes keeping Luca Hoole and Josh Ruffels at the club was vital this summer.

Hoole and Ruffels both committed their futures to Salop, agreeing new deals after their previous contracts expired.

Having lined up alongside the pair in defence for much of last season, Boyle believes their retention is a major boost for the club.

“I think everyone at the end of the season, be it fans, players, staff, would have wanted Luca and Ruffs to be here this year, and they are,” he told the Shropshire Star.

“Would we have expected it? Potentially not. Obviously, Luca got a lot of awards here last season, rightly so.

“So it's brilliant for us to have them in the building. They know the manager’s process and what’s expected of them, and they can then pass that on to others.

“They’re a big part of the group off the pitch as well. So, 100 per cent key retentions.”

Hoole and Ruffels were among the few shining lights in an otherwise difficult campaign for Shrewsbury last season.

Hoole signed a new two-year deal to remain in Shropshire, while the length of Ruffels’ fresh contract has not been disclosed.

Although Hoole has been sidelined since suffering a knock in Town’s opening pre-season friendly, Ruffels has been a regular fixture throughout the summer schedule as preparations continue for the new League Two campaign.

Their retentions have complemented a busy summer squad overhaul, with eight new faces arriving at the Croud Meadow, and Boyle believes the newcomers have settled in quickly.

He added: “We’ve got a lot of new signings through the door, everyone seems to be enjoying it.

“Now it’s about getting the buy-in to the process. The closer you get to the season, wins mean that little bit more. So, that competitive edge will be starting to ramp up now.”