Shrewsbury Town seal first summer signing as attack-minded right-back checks in
The new Salop man has played 71 times in League Two with Cheltenham
Shrewsbury Town have launched their summer transfer business with the capture of attacking full-back Arkell Jude-Boyd.
The 23-year-old has checked into Croud Meadow as a free agent on a two-year contract with another 12-month option in the club’s favour.
Jude-Boyd is a product of the QPR academy whose first experience of senior football was in an exciting National League South loan with Torquay in 2023/24, where he netted six times in 17 appearances.
He moved to League Two Cheltenham that summer and Jude-Boyd has since made 71 League Two appearances for the Robins, 57 as a starter, including under former Shrewsbury boss Steve Cotterill last season. Jude-Boyd is a six-cap international for Saint Lucia and has netted for his country.
Boss Gavin Cowan is encouraged Town fought off fierce competition for the right-sided defender’s signature and compared his profile to successful January addition Kevin Berkoe.
“Last season we brought in Kev Berkoe – who added pace, athleticism and a really direct style of play,” Cowan said.
“When it comes to wing-backs - or outside players, as I like to call them - we want a range of options. Some will be more attack-minded, while others might be slightly more reserved.
“We felt Arkell was very similar to Kev in a lot of ways. He can play on both sides, right and left, he's really attacking, athletic and very quick.
“He's someone we feel will really benefit both the team and the squad, while also increasing competition for places.”
Cowan hailed the “buy-in” London-born Jude-Boyd gave during meetings.
The exciting and versatile defender is capable of playing as a full-back, wing-back and in midfield.
“He was really complimentary about our resources, the training ground and the stadium,” added the head coach.
“We spent time giving him a picture of what the football club is all about and he really bought into it.
“We always do our due diligence to make sure we can showcase the football club properly, not just on the pitch - where we have a clear identity and way of playing - but off it as well.
“We're trying to create a strong culture throughout the club.”
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