Shrewsbury Town sign Newport forward Lenell John-Lewis

The 28-year-old frontman spent two seasons under Town's boss at Grimsby, where he netted 18 goals for the Mariners, and arrives on a free from League Two Newport County.

He was out of contract at the Exiles and joins on a one-year deal with the option of another.

London-born John-Lewis began with non-league Grantham Town before earning a move to Lincoln City, where he spent four years in the fourth tier.

Eighteen months followed in League One with Bury before a switch to Conference side Grimsby, where he flourished under the stewardship of Hurst.

Hurst's Grimsby were unable to retain the forward after his goal haul in 2014/15, and he sealed a move to Newport, where he netted five goals in 32 games before a knee injury restricted him to just two outings at the end of last season.

"He was excellent for us at Grimsby and unfortunately we lost him when League football came calling," said Hurst.

"We'd lost in the play-off final and we couldn't offer him that. He was excellent.

"He's a strong boy that gives absolutely everything to the team. He's a team player, he certainly would class as a player that his team-mates would speak higher of him than anyone else because of what he does for them.

"He puts the team first. He's had a difficult couple of seasons with injuries and we're fully aware and conscious of that.

"But he's still someone that can come in and be a very good player for us."

“He’s not what everyone would call a natural goalscorer - his game is much more than that.”

“He does a job for the team and he’s often the player that takes a lot of the attention away for maybe others to exploit, but he did manage 20 goals that year.”

“He does that because he is willing to put his head in where it hurts. He’s a willing runner, he works extremely hard and when you’ve got those attributes and that attitude to it all then often you can end up having chances fall at your feet.”

“He’s not the biggest in terms of height wise, but he’s very strong and powerful. I wouldn’t say he’s got lightening pace but he’s certainly mobile, he holds the ball up well and I think he’s one of those players that centre-halves don’t like playing against.”

“We’ve got to try and take care of that.”

“He’s back from a pretty horrific injury in truth, but we’ve had him assessed, we’ve looked at it and we believe we can help improve that situation and monitor him daily.

“I can speak highly enough of Chris Skitt (Physio) and the work that he will do with Lenell to make sure that we are giving him the best chance possible to be fit for all the games.

“If that means at times adapting his training slightly then that is something we will look at, but overall for me the deal is certainly worth doing and obviously there’s lots of considerations that go into something like that.

“No one wants a player that is never available and no one sets out to do that, but we think we can get him back up to speed and I know 100% that he’s got the attitude that will give himself every chance and being fit and in the best shape possible.”

John-Lewis joins fellow attacker Arthur Gnahoua as Town's second signing in 72 hours as Hurst gets his Greenhous Meadow squad overhaul underway.

The striker picked up a serious knee injury in a friendly last summer against Caldicot Town which restricted him to just 90 minutes of football last term, coming in the final weeks of the season as the Exiles staged a great escape.

He said: "I'm very pleased to be here. It's a welcome change and I'm very pleased to be at Shrews, I can't wait to get started.

"To re-join the manager and Chris Doig is going to be good for me. I've worked well with them before and they've been able to get the best out of me.

"Honesty is both of their main attributes. They tell you how it is, good or bad, and it improves you.

"It would be great to repeat that season here, I'd love to repeat that. Hard work and honesty is what we want from here.

"I get on with everyone, like a bit of banter but hard work and honesty as well, that's why we got on so well.

"I'm a central striker, you could see me as a target man, good in the air, but I also like to get behind as well – that's the reason I play on the wing sometimes, on either side of three up top.

"I like to be versatile and think I am versatile, playing in lots of positions.

"The season where I did get the goals was nice for me because previous to that I didn't have enough.

"Most parts of my game were OK but the goals weren't coming. Hopefully I can repeat that season.

"I had a tough 10 months, but it was an educational 10 months as well"

“I learnt a lot about the sport and my body and I’ve come out of it a lot stronger and I’m just looking forward to getting started.

“I’ve seen Chris (Skitt) today and it’s pleasing to see someone with a lot of knowledge and someone who wants to work and get the best out of you as well.

“I want to get back into playing football and enjoying my football again. Hopefully I will do well for myself, but also do well for the club and that’s why I’m here.

“The players come and go, but the club is always going to be here, so if I do well hopefully the team does well, the manager does well and the club does well.”