'I love beating players' - New signing wants to entertain Shrewsbury Town fans

New signing Joe Gbode wants to get Shrewsbury Town supporters off their seats this season.

The forward made his first Salop appearance in Tuesday’s pre-season friendly against Stafford Rangers after becoming the club’s seventh signing of the summer.

The 21-year-old has strengthened Gavin Cowan’s attacking options and will compete to lead the line during the upcoming campaign.

Gbode said: “I’d like to describe myself as an exciting player. I like to take on players, I’m very fast.

“I love one-versus-one situations, I love beating players. I think that's one of the biggest parts of my game.

“I'm not the biggest, but I’m very strong as well. I like to try and get fans off their seats.

“I think the main focus for me is to try and be as effective as possible. As you grow older as a player you start to mature in your game.

“I think my focus has shifted from trying to impress fans, it’s more so shifted to trying to help the team win. Obviously, I still try my best to add that element of excitement.”

Gbode joined Salop on a season-long loan from League One side Luton Town after scoring three goals during a loan spell with National League club Woking in the second half of last season.

The striker says he has settled in quickly at Shrewsbury’s Sundorne Castle training ground thanks to the welcome he has received from his new team-mates.

“A very, very warm welcome,” he added. “The boys are fantastic.

“Obviously when you come to a club, you hope that the boys are good people and everyone here is fantastic.

“So far, they've come, they've spoken to me, made me feel welcome and made me feel part of the team.”

Gbode has also enjoyed settling into life in Shropshire after relocating ahead of the new season.

He said: “I love it. It's nice, it's peaceful, it's quiet, not many distractions which is good.”