Meadow where the young ones bloom at Shrewsbury

Salop completed the signings of George Waring and Mohamed el Ouariachi Choulay from Stoke City until Christmas time – and the Town chief believes big clubs know that the Greenhous Meadow is a first-rate breeding ground.

The pair follow in the footsteps of the likes of Sullay Kaikai, Jack Grimmer and Larnell Cole who all enjoyed profitable stints in Shropshire last term.

Mellon confirmed that it is always the aim to seek ties with larger clubs as centre-forward Waring and former Barcelona trickster Moha were both registered in time to feature tonight at Charlton Athletic.

"That's what we try to do (build a link),"declared Mellon.

"Because we've always gone on record and said that the loan market is going to be something that's very important to us to get it right.

"With the way that the loan window works now you have to have good relationships with teams.

"There were a lot of people wanting Moha and George, a lot of clubs were after them.

"But Stoke believed that the best place for them to go and develop was here, which is credit to the club and the work we've done in the past and the way we want to play the game."

New FIFA rulings have scrapped the 'emergency' loan signings, meaning that when the window is shut – between September and December 31 – clubs are not permitted to bring in players on short deals.

So bulking his squad with more firepower before the August deadline was always the intention of the Salop chief. Mellon will be hoping that Ivan Toney – who had already joined on loan from Newcastle United – Moha and Waring can have a similar impact to Kaikai, who netted 12 goals while with Town last season.

Grimmer was also a big hit with supporters, playing 24 times in all competitions while Cole also chipped in with 34 outings last term.

The boss added: "Premier League (and Championship) clubs believe that their best young talent, like Toney and Moha and George (can sign), that it's a good environment for them to be closer to becoming Stoke players or Newcastle players.

"So we've got to keep that relationship going with these clubs because these guys are good players and with the way the window is gone it gives us five and six months with them.

"It is a long time so it's better for us, and you have to keep the reputation going of being able to develop players."

Moha, 20, described himself through broken English as a quick winger and was visibly pleased to have made the switch to Shropshire in search of landing first-team football.

His Potteries team-mate Waring, 21, added: "I'd like to think that I could fill the target role and have more to my game as well.

"But obviously I want to play to my strengths, use my height and be a physical presence.

"I hope to do my best and score some goals and hope Shrewsbury reach their goals."

On Moha, he added: "He's quick, lightning quick, and still getting used to the language.

"But he's a good lad and he'll excite the fans.

Striker AJ Leitch-Smith (hamstring) will miss tonight's trip to Charlton.