Jamie Tolley: Early Shrewsbury Town business a real statement - I'm excited!

It was huge news to hear Josh Ruffels has signed a contract to commit to Shrewsbury Town.

It’s a massive signing and a real statement of intent for what they want to achieve next season.

By all accounts there were a number of higher division clubs sniffing around, so to tie him down is really impressive, so congratulations to all involved.

I think it shows that Josh is committed to the cause and to what Gav’s trying to achieve at the football club.

Obviously an experienced player like Josh is enjoying working with Gav. First and foremost, it comes down to enjoyment of football.

He's obviously enjoying the process. Gav's told him what he wants next season and I imagine it will be at the top end of the table.

This stands us in really good stead for the summer going forwards.

He’s got vast amount of experience in the leagues above, so he has that on his side. There are a lot of younger players in and around the Town squad and him passing that experience on is going to be important next season.

Josh played in a number of positions when he came in but after Gav came in he really found the position on the left side of a back three.

They were a solid and stable unit with Josh a big part of that. There's such a good relationship in that backline as well. It's brilliant to see that he's still at the club and long may the form continue.

I think if we’re honest, most people involved did not think Josh was going to be at the club next season, particularly with the sort of interest in him.

It’s a statement start to the summer work from Town.

It tells me he was enjoying his football because as a player you stay where you enjoy your football.

Obviously money comes into it - we’re not stupid - money talks in the world of football.

But if all things align, which they obviously have, then he's happy to put his signature down.

I know a lot of supporters were left really optimistic by the signing news and that’s where I’m at. I’m missing it and cannot wait for it to be back!

The form towards the end of the season when Gav, Dave and Jamie came in was play-off contention. That's enough to excite any group of fans for next season.

If they make the right signings, which they have up to now with Ruffels, then I think that's just going to keep adding to the level of excitement and optimism going into the next season.

More generally I think there are a number of players that need to come into the club - we can all see that.

It’s mostly a young bunch at the moment and they are going to need some more experience around them.

Having legs and energy will be crucial in a League Two side.

I know Gav wants to get more legs into the team to get up and down the pitch, to play the way he wants to play on the front foot. I see that as being key.

And Gav's big on the personalities, so it has to be the right fit on and off the field.