Shrewsbury Town’s first summer signing reveals key influence behind career rise

New Shrewsbury Town signing Arkell Jude-Boyd has opened up on his career journey and the biggest influences along the way.

Jude-Boyd has hailed former Spurs coach and Queens Park Rangers boss Chris Ramsey as a major influence on his game, particularly his versatility.

The 23-year-old, who became Salop’s first signing of the summer, progressed through the youth ranks at QPR - coincidentally the club supported by his new boss Gavin Cowan growing up - before going on to play in the Football League.

He explained: “I started off being at multiple clubs at the age of seven - Arsenal, Chelsea. Then my brother signed for QPR, so I wanted to be just like my brother.

“I signed for QPR at the age of nine. From there I stayed at QPR until I was 21.”

Jude-Boyd had loan spells at Dagenham & Redbridge and Torquay United during his time at QPR, enjoying particular success at the latter.

After returning from his development loan at Dagenham without making an appearance, he signed a new one-year deal at QPR before joining Torquay, where he scored six times in 17 matches and was named the National League South club’s Young Player of the Season.

At QPR, Jude-Boyd worked under former Chelsea striker Paul Furlong and Chris Ramsey, who became the club’s head coach in 2015 following Harry Redknapp’s resignation.

Asked about his biggest career influences, Jude-Boyd said: Asked about his biggest career influences, Jude-Boyd said: “Paul Furlong, he was a crucial part. His calmness and his willing to give information and make players better.

“Chris Ramsey - his attention to detail. He always required us to be versatile. That's why I played multiple positions.

“When I was younger I would start off in striker and finish centre-back just to win the game.”

Upon joining Shrewsbury, boss Cowan highlighted Jude-Boyd’s versatility as a key strength. The 23-year-old plays as a right-sided defender but can also operate as a traditional full-back or in midfield.

After returning from his loan spell at Torquay, Jude-Boyd was released by QPR and later joined Cheltenham Town, where he spent two years before moving to Shropshire.

The Saint Lucia international made 83 appearances in all competitions for the Robins, scoring four goals.

He said: “It was a family-feel club. Very positive.

“I scored a few goals and I'm here today. Yeah, I did alright.”