What to look out for as Shrewsbury Town begin pre-season at Stafford Rangers

Shrewsbury Town’s preparations for the new season step up a gear when they face non-league Stafford Rangers in their first pre-season friendly.

With the pitches prepared and pre-season under way, Gavin Cowan’s side will finally get the chance to put their work on the training ground into practice.

The match offers Cowan his first opportunity to assess his summer signings in action, continue implementing his style of play and evaluate the players competing for places ahead of the League Two campaign.

Following the trip to Staffordshire, Salop will head to the Isle of Man to compete in the island’s Summer Football Festival, where they will face fellow non-league opposition.

Shrewsbury squad

Town supporters will be eager to see the club’s six summer signings in action - Arkell Jude-Boyd, Isaac Fletcher, Josh Davison, Byron Pendleton, Jack Price and Jay Turner-Cooke.

Defensively, Cowan has plenty of options following the arrivals of Jude-Boyd and Pendleton, while Luca Hoole and Josh Ruffels have both signed new contracts to remain at the club.

Pre-season will also provide another opportunity to assess promising youngsters including Isaac Lee, Isaac England and Will Gray.

Up front, Davison is Shrewsbury’s first striker signing of the summer and supporters will be keen to see how he performs and can link up with George Lloyd.

Turner-Cooke arrives after an impressive spell at Halifax Town, while Fletcher earned plaudits despite Barrow’s difficult campaign. Both will be looking to make an immediate impact in Cowan’s midfield.

Local midfielder Price is set for his second spell with his hometown club and will be hoping to make a lasting impression after returning to Shrewsbury this summer.

There could also be opportunities for several academy players to stake their claim after the youth team’s historic campaign last season.

The opposition

Shrewsbury face a Stafford Rangers side that has undergone significant change during the summer.

After relegation from step three of non-league football, Rangers have spent the past two seasons battling for survival in the Northern One West.

Manager Graham Deakin guided the club to safety last season and now begins a new chapter under ambitious American ownership.

Stafford are targeting a promotion challenge and have strengthened their squad with the return of fan favourite Tom Tonks following his departure from National League side Tamworth. The experienced midfielder is also renowned for his long throw-ins.

The hosts head into the game in good spirits after pre-season victories over Brereton Social and Telford Town.

Supporters visiting Marston Road will also notice several improvements around the ground, including a new roof on the stand behind one of the goals.

Kick-off is at 7.15pm. Gates open at 6pm, with all supporters asked to enter through the main gates to the left of the club office.