Adam El-Abd could have been Micky Mellon's man sooner
Shrewsbury Town new-boy Adam El-Abd admits he now regrets not signing for Micky Mellon when he first had the chance.
The 31-year-old centre-back penned a two-year deal after leaving Championship side Bristol City.
But could have been playing for the Scot when Mellon was at Barnsley more than three years ago.
El-Abd said: "I met the gaffer a couple of times when he was at Barnsley and I regretted not signing for him then, if I'm being totally honest because .
"I knew I'd enjoy working with him. I had a good feeling about him then and when I came to see him at Shrewsbury it was the same.
"Later on that season part of me regretted not signing him for then. It was only because it was my hometown club Brighton that I found it so hard to leave.
"I'm really looking forward to working with him now and he seems to have recruited really well to add to what we've already got so hopefully we can have a good campaign."
El-Abd's early impressions are that Mellon is a players' manager, who stands by his men.
The former Egypt international said: "It's early days, but he seems to have clear ideas on how he wants to play.
"He seems to back his players which can only give the boys confidence. So when the opportunity came again it was easy."
El-Abd believes Mellon has a plan of where to take the club. He added; "There's a clear vision of where we want to go and, hopefully, we can have some success.
"We're quietly confident. It's work in progress and it's early days so you don't get carried away.
"Training's been of a good tempo and it seems a really good dressing room where the spirit seems really good. So I'm looking forward to the challenge and the season ahead."
Mellon admits El-Abd isn't at his sharpest yet after being without a club but the player insists he will be ready for the big kick-off on August 6.
He said: "Every footballer nowadays looks after themselves in the off-season, but pre-season is about getting sharp by doing the shuttles and 'doggies,' so I'll be ready for the season."
Ticket details for Saturday's friendly at Solihull Moors are as follows: Adults £10, concessions £5 (over 65s, students, under-18s) and under-12s are free when accompanied by a paying adult).
At Monday's game at Stourbridge, it's £7 adults, £5 seniors, £3 for 11-16s and under-11s free with a paying adult.
