Shropshire Star

Shrewsbury Town agree James Collins and Mark Wright deals

Shrewsbury Town have boosted their attacking options - pipping League Two rivals Burton Albion to the signing of young Aston Villa striker James Collins. Shrewsbury Town today completed a double transfer coup - agreeing a permanent deal for loan sensation Mark Wright and snapping up young Aston Villa striker James Collins. Town boss Graham Turner was eager to hold on to Wright, 28, who has netted 10 goals in just 21 League Two starts while on loan at the Greenhous Meadow. The fee is undisclosed, though sources in Bristol today revealed that Rovers were hoping to recoup the estimated £30,000 they paid to sign the player from Brighton & Hove Albion in September 2009.

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Shrewsbury Town today completed a double transfer coup - agreeing a permanent deal for loan sensation Mark Wright and snapping up young Aston Villa striker James Collins.

Town boss Graham Turner was eager to hold on to Wright, 28, who has netted 10 goals in just 21 League Two starts while on loan at the Greenhous Meadow.

The fee is undisclosed, though sources in Bristol today revealed that Rovers were hoping to recoup the estimated £30,000 they paid to sign the player from Brighton & Hove Albion in September 2009.

Collins has signed an 18-month contract, having rejected the chance to go to Burton Albion in order to join Town.

The Coventry-born 20-year-old had scored five goals in 11 starts with Burton and played in the New Year's Day clash with Shrewsbury at the Pirelli Stadium.

Both players are likely to feature in the Shrewsbury squad for tomorrow's clash at home to Morecambe.

"It wasn't easy but we've finally managed to agree a fee with Bristol Rovers for Mark," Turner confirmed.

"When he first came here it appeared like they were quite keen to get him off their wage bill and we expected him to be a free transfer.

"But his record with us means he's suddenly got value again - his goals for us have made Bristol Rovers money."

On the addition of Collins, Turner added: "He's mobile, he's strong and he scores goals. At 20 years of age he's very much one for the future."

Turner also confirmed that further recruits could arrive before the January transfer window closes.

By CHRIS HUDSON