Defenders a priority for Shrewsbury Town

The Town boss has departed for a well-earned break knowing his 12-goal top scorer Sullay Kaikai has left.

Strikers James Collins, Tyrone Barnett and out-of-contract Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro, who netted 20 between them, could also be off.

Defensively, captain Nathaniel Knight-Percival, Zak Whitbread and Jermaine Grandison are out of contract, while loanee Jack Hendry has rejoined Wigan.

Asked how he would replace the goals scored by his leading marksman, Mellon appears more concerned by the whopping 91 leaked at the back.

He said: "We have to try but the team scored 70 goals this season (from 56 games) and that might surprise people, because that's an awful lot of goals for a team that finished where we have.

"There are goals in the group so it's the defensive side that's disappointed me more than anything.

"We haven't kept enough clean sheets, we've conceded too many goals and we have to improve at both ends with the loss of Kaikai."

Chief executive Brian Caldwell said: "Following meetings last week, there are a list of targets identified by Micky that we'll endeavour to bring on board over the coming weeks.

"In time, we'll pick those off the list and decide on those we want to keep."

Town have 17 players out of contract and will be announcing their retained list in the coming days.

Caldwell said: "It's the third week in May when players have to be notified whether we're offering them contracts."

The Town chief executive is confident the club can be 'sold' to prospective signing, adding: "I'd say look at the facilities, look at the stadium, look at the pitch and tell them about the training ground.

"Players are always concerned about where they're doing their work. They're going to be based at the training ground four days a week.

"Then look at the town itself – it's a beautiful place to live. It's almost like a hidden secret."