Jamie Tolley: Big statement from Shrewsbury Town as key defender commits future

Securing Luca Hoole’s retention is a huge statement, a huge boost and a big tick for Shrewsbury Town.

It shows the ambition and confidence at the club, and what Hoole himself wants to achieve there. He can see something is building, and hopefully he can be part of that.

It’s massive. If you look at Josh Ruffels and Hoole last season, along with Will Boyle, they were all outstanding throughout the campaign and among the leading contenders for Player of the Season awards, which Hoole won.

To keep that defensive unit together is a real statement of intent, and there will have been smiles all round.

A lot of fans and people around the club may have expected Hoole to move on this summer, so it’s really pleasing to see him stay, commit to the cause and show he believes in what the staff are building.

He’s a player I really like. He’s got all the attributes to have a very good career.

He’s still young and still learning, which is important at this stage of his development.

From a football perspective, it’s brilliant for Shrewsbury to keep him now, and if he has a strong season, he could also generate a fee for the club in the future. It’s a win for both parties.

The defensive department is looking healthy, which is where Gavin clearly wanted to start.

He’s a defender at heart, so he naturally places real importance on getting that area settled early and getting the right players in.

That box is ticked. Now attention turns further up the pitch - midfield and attacking areas. That’s where I expect to see more action in the coming weeks.

I think there will be further incomings soon. The manager and staff are working round the clock to bring players in.

At this level, it doesn’t usually take too much selling. If players come to the training ground and see the stadium, it speaks for itself. Shrewsbury is a strong League Two club and that appeals to a lot of players. Ultimately, it often comes down to finances, but if everything aligns, I fully expect new arrivals.

The loan market could also be key this summer, as it often is at this level, and I expect that to be used again.

I’m really looking forward to the season and the return of pre-season, with Gavin, Dave and Jamie having time to implement their ideas, bring in their own players and shape the squad properly.

After the staff came in, the form was play-off level. That shows what can be achieved in a short space of time.

If they can build on that with a good pre-season and the right additions, I think Shrewsbury could have a strong season.

But there is still a long way to go in the summer rebuild.

From my own experience, there are always two types of players at this stage of the off-season. There are those already deep into their pre-season programmes - gym work, running, eating well and getting themselves ready. Then there are those still on holiday, enjoying a break after a long, intense season.

Both are normal. You need that downtime in football. I’ve been there myself, enjoying an all-inclusive a bit too much, but when it was time to return, you were ready to go again.

I’m sure there are players in both camps right now - some itching to get started again, others making the most of their break before pre-season begins.

When Shrewsbury return, they’ll do so in their new 140th anniversary kit, which was unveiled last week.

I really like it. It’s a fitting way to mark such a milestone and gives the club something positive to build around going into the new season.

If the club can continue to build a strong squad through the summer and head into pre-season with momentum, there’s every reason for optimism.

Let’s hope that by the end of the season, they’re right up towards the top of the table.