Mike Jackson looking to tweak Shrewsbury Town academy

But the Greenhous Meadow chief, who took over the managerial reins in January, believes it can become even better with a few small 'tweaks'.

Recruitment is one area he identified in which Town can improve, and he is also aiming to bring in a new coach following the recent departure of head of academy coaching Bernard McNally.

He said: "I went to watch the academy last week.

"I spent two nights there and was impressed with what I saw, with the coaches, some of the kids that were there and the organisation.

"It just needs a little bit of tweaking in certain areas.

"But there's some good people working there which is good for the future. They are trying to move it forward.

"The recruitment side is another thing which can be improved, and with a new coach coming in as well he'll have a big say on the whole philosophy of what we are trying to do."

Town's academy has produced a number of first-team players in recent years including defender Connor Goldson, midfielders Ryan Woods and Jon Taylor and striker Tom Bradshaw.

And second-year scholars Dominic Smith and Callum Burton were rewarded with professional deals in February, along with youngster Harry Lewis.

As part of their plans to develop the academy, Town will host a series of open trials next month.

The clubs academy are holding recruitment trials for young players aged eight, nine and 10 on Thursday evenings at the Greenhous Meadow throughout May.