Shrewsbury Town snap up Keith Southern

But two further Town midfielders, Aaron Wildig and James Caton, have been sent to Conference Premier sides Kidderminster Harriers and Southport respectively.

Southern has joined until the end of the season and brings a wealth of experience to the side, having played nearly 400 appearances for Blackpool and Huddersfield.

He will join up with his new team-mates tomorrow as they continue preparations for the weekend's game at home to Stevenage.

Mellon said: "He's a guy that I know very very well. I've played against Keith and have seen him play over the years. My assistant, Mike Jackson, has also played in the same team as him.

"We both know what type of guy we're getting into the group. He would fit in brilliantly with the lads that we've already got here because he's a good person as well.

"I'm really chuffed that we're getting a player like that into the group. He's a very combatitive midfield player, an organiser and a winner.

"He's been on this track before, which is important for us, and I know that he'll be looking to get involved with the games here."

Southern added: "It's an opportunity to help what is really a successful season so far for Shrewsbury, I'm looking forward to coming and being a part of it.

"Mike Jackson was my captain at Blackpool back in 2007 when we got promoted from League One up until the Championship.

"I know Micky, Jacko and a few of the players as well. There's some familiar faces who I'm looking forward to playing with.

"You're not third in the league if you're a bad side, so obviously the lads who are playing have done really well.

"I can bring some experience and a steady head in the middle of the pitch. I've been there and done it, and I'm chomping at the bit to get some football under my belt.

"I'm looking forward to helping in any way I can to what is already a successful squad and a successful season so far."

Wildig and Caton have been on the peripheries of Mellon's squad this season and have loaned out with the aim of getting some game time.

Wildig has not featured for the first-team at all this season while Caton, a summer signing, has only made four appearances.

Mellon said: "We just felt that the opportunity for the lads to go out and play some first-team football was what they needed at this time.

"It's two good moves (for Caton and Wildig) to get match time under their belts.

"Caton just needs to go out and get some experience and go and play some mens football at really good, competitive level up at Southport.

"Aaron just needs to get going again. When they are first team players, they need to play first team games in order to get that extra bit of edge to their fitness.

"It's important that Aaron goes out and gets that again at another good club down at Kidderminster.

"I think Aaron would be the first to admit that he came back here and was a bit behind the rest of the group in fitness.

"He'll go down to Kidderminster and give himself the best possible chance of getting fit again."