Graham Turner insists his Shrewsbury squad is now stronger
Boss Graham Turner believes that he has strengthened his Shrewsbury squad this summer – despite the dwindling amount of players he has available.
Injuries to defender Dave Winfield and strikers John Marsden and Akwasi Asante have left Turner short on numbers ahead of today's trip to Leyton Orient.
But the capture of attacker Graham Burke on loan from Aston Villa until January and the return of Birmingham loanee Asante from a hamstring injury next week will help turn the tide.
Summer signing James Tavernier and new captain Tamika Mkandawire have both settled in well while left-back Alex McQuade has figured in both of the first two games. And David McAllister is still waiting for his chance to start after making his loan move from Sheffield United permanent in the close season.
Turner said: "I think if I look back at last season – and we have talked at length in coaches' meetings – we all feel we have got a better squad of players this season.
"That's irrespective of whether it's smaller in numbers, we believe we have improved."
Today's trip to an Orient side who walloped Carlisle 5-1 on the opening day will be tough, but more big-name clubs are upcoming.
Wolves have joined the likes of Coventry and Sheffield United on thefixture list this season but Turner believes his side, who finished 16th last term, can still push on.
The Greenhous Meadow boss said: "The hope is to finish in the top half of the table and to make an impact there, to be able to meet the challenge head on at places such as Wolves, Coventry and Sheffield United."