Josh Davison opens up on settling in at Shrewsbury Town as he hails ‘easy fit’

Josh Davison believes he has settled seamlessly into life at Shrewsbury Town, describing his first few months at the club as an “easy fit”.

The summer signing netted his first goals in a Town shirt against Aston Villa’s youngsters on Saturday, providing the perfect platform ahead of the new competitive campaign.

As Salop gear up for the start of the season, the striker says he has quickly felt at home in Gavin Cowan’s squad and is relishing the competition for places with George Lloyd and Joe Gbode.

“I’m enjoying it, everyone was very welcoming,” Davison reflected.

“They’ve made me feel a part of it from the beginning. It was an easy fit.

“I’ve just settled in and got used to the lads on the ground and the staff. It’s been enjoyable.”

He added: “I think competition for places is always good. It’s healthy because no-one gets complacent.

“Also, when you need to flip things in a game, sometimes different players offer different things and it's always good to have more areas to quiver.”

Davison has partnered George Lloyd in Town’s final pre-season friendlies, with the pair both finding the net.

The 26-year-old has quickly discovered one thing about his new strike partner - not to underestimate him in the air, admitting he has been surprised by Lloyd’s aerial ability.

Asked whether he believes the pair complement each other well, Davison said: “Yes, I think we can do a bit of both.

“I didn’t know how good he was in the air, to be fair. So, I can actually chase some of his flip-ons, which is nice.

“But yes, we can both offer different things. He can go short, I can come short, we can both spin him behind. So, it is good.”

His brace against Villa rounded off pre-season on a high and Davison will now hope the goals continue to flow during the campaign after what he admits have been a difficult few years in front of goal.

He also believes the demanding pre-season programme has left him in the best physical condition he has been in for some time.

“It’s been tough, it’s been one of my toughest,” Davison admitted.

“But on the flip side of that, for being tough, I feel in a good position fitness-wise. It’s probably the fittest I’ve been in a few years. So, yes, I feel good.”

His double also gave him his first opportunity to celebrate in front of the Croud Meadow faithful, a ground he says he has always enjoyed visiting as an opposition player.

“I’ve played here quite a few times as well, away from signing for Shrewsbury,” the striker added.

“I’ve always enjoyed coming here and now I get to come here more often.”

The competitive season begins this weekend with a Carabao Cup trip to Salford City before Town kick off their League Two campaign with a return to Davison’s former club, Tranmere Rovers.

Davison scored in the meeting between the sides at Prenton Park last season and will be hoping to make his mark once again - this time in Shrewsbury colours.

The striker admits the fixture needs little extra building up personally.

“No it doesn’t at all,” he said. “I’m excited to go back there and get playing some footy.”