Shrewsbury better than the 2012 heroes – James Collins

The striker is eyeing a second successful season after making his return to Greenhous Meadow this summer.

He spearheaded the 2011-12 team which finished second under Graham Turner, scoring 16 goals before moving to Swindon.

But, after returning following a disappointing spell at Hibs, Collins believes the class of 2014 are streets ahead of their promoted predecessors.

"The squad last time wasn't as good as the one we have now," he said. "But the good sides don't always go up, so it's about being consistent over the season and if you look at the squad on paper we have the best side in the league.

"You don't win games on paper, so we have to stick with it and dig deep.

"You have to take it game by game and you can't look too far ahead because it's a long season, but it's the main aim.

"We want to get the first game out of the way and go from there."

Collins scored just six goals last season as Hibs were relegated from the Scottish Premiership after losing their survival play-off against Hamilton.

But he hopes his previous record at Greenhous Meadow and in England means he has nothing to prove to Town fans.

"I like to think not but people are always going to judge you on your last game," said the former Villa trainee. "Hopefully I can hit the ground running next Saturday and never look back.

"The fans have been great with me and been nothing but positive and I want to repay them with promotion.

"Once this place is rocking and we're playing football it'll be a place other teams won't want to come, so we want to do it again this year."