Gary Deegan's advice for Shrewsbury move
He may have left the Greenhous Meadow yesterday, but Tyrone Barnett played a part in bringing former Southend team-mate Gary Deegan to Shrewsbury Town.
The duo were paired together at the Shrimpers during the second part of last season, as Barnett enjoyed a loan spell at Roots Hall.
Holding midfielder Deegan has featured in four out of Town's five pre-season clashes.
And the 28-year-old Dubliner sought advice before committing himself to Micky Mellon's men, with Barnett leaving the Greenhous Meadow yesterday after 18 months.
The 30-year-old hitman joined from Peterborough United for a reported six-figure fee and still had a year to run on his original deal.
Deegan commented: "Ty was at Southend at the back end of last season. I spoke to him and he said 'you'll love it here, the gaffer is sound.'
"All the new boys coming in are on the same playing field, which is great, and I'm just looking forward to the season starting.
"I've done it long enough now to know the game. I'm not a young boy now, I'm a man and I have my own experiences, which I like to think I've passed on since being here.
"With him (Barnett) being here it helps you to branch out quicker, but I don't think I'm the person that's going to be shy so I'll find my way around easily enough."
Deegan has featured alongside Abu Ogogo, Antoni Sarcevic and Richie Wellens so far as part of the defensive midfield duo employed by Mellon in his 4-2-3-1 system.
The former Coventry City and Northampton Town man made his English football bow at the Ricoh Arena after impressing for Irish Premier League outfit Bohemian.
He was also keen to heap praise on the Meadow chief, continuing: "I spoke to him at the end of last season.
"I really wanted to come and play for the club. I really bought into it and, since I've arrived, I've bought into what he's trying to do.
"That was the first time meeting and speaking (with Mellon) for me, you have to take him at face value don't you?
"When you see yourself doing something here, I made my mind up and I know I've made the right decision.
"His philosophy and what he wants is all in process now, that's what we've been building up to and, hopefully, you'll get to see it over the course of the season."
Deegan admits he was always taken aback by the Greenhous Meadow's facilities and appearance.
But he immediately confirmed that impressive backdrops and shiny exteriors do not automatically translate into success on the pitch.
He warned: "Of course, it's a brilliant place to play your football, everything is here.
"But a nice training ground and nice stadiums don't win you games. It means nothing until you win games, so we'll take it from there."
