Talk over striker goes down hatch

Shrewsbury Town today confirmed they have made a transfer window inquiry about Peterborough striker Liam Hatch - but will not be following up their interest.

League One promotion chasers Peterborough last night claimed Town were one of two clubs along with Rotherham to have had a six-figure bid rejected for Hatch.

But boss Paul Simpson today suggested Town had not bothered with a bid after hearing Hatch's price tag when speaking to Peterborough officials.

He said today: "Liam Hatch is one of a number of players who we have made inquiries about over their availability.

"When Peterborough quoted the fee they wanted we decided not to take the inquiry any further."

Hatch, 26, was a target for former Town boss Gary Peters 12 months ago. He has impressed during a loan spell at Darlington this season, scoring seven goals in 14 league games.

Right decision

He is due to return to London Road at the end of his loan spell early next week.

Meanwhile Town's latest loan capture Joss Labadie has said that he is desperate to impress during his month with the club, declaring: "This is the most important 28 days of my career so far."

Labadie, 19, linked up with his new team mates on New Year's Day after making the temporary move from West Brom.

The defensive midfielder turned down offers from Scotland and from an unnamed Conference side to join Shrewsbury - and he is already certain that he made the right decision.

"I was looking for a loan move and for some first team football because I was playing for West Brom's reserves, so when the opportunity came along I took it with both hands," he said.

"It's very professional here, the facilities are lovely. Everything about it is very overwhelming.

"The stadium is magnificent, the training facilities are quality. This team doesn't belong in League Two - it's a League one club, if not higher.

"I just can't wait to get my boots on and get on with it. Obviously I want to impress."

Labadie broke his fifth metatarsal during pre-season with the Baggies, but the problem was not diagnosed for a month and as a result the bone took longer than normal to heal.

That was a setback for the youngster, but now he is keen to make a name for himself at the Prostar Stadium.

He continued: "I'm just relishing the challenge."