Shrewsbury Town: Michael Appleton admits move away from his usual recruitment plan

At first, he was made interim head coach, before signing a two-year deal at Croud Meadow before their penultimate game of last season against Crawley Town. 

The former Lincoln, Portsmouth and Blackpool boss is known for his coaching ability and getting the best out of young players. He also has a reputation for playing free-flowing football. 

But so far this summer, Shrewsbury have signed three central defenders, a deep-lying midfield player and a versatile wing-back. 

Appleton admits this is a contrast from the usual signings he would make, but says Town’s weaknesses were so evident they had to be addressed. 

“I've had people texting me, taking the mickey out of me, saying, you've changed,” he said. 

“I think they're used to me signing attacking, athletic, flair players early doors and then maybe strengthening at the back, whereas all of a sudden, I think there was a realisation for me very, very early in the group that actually we have to make sure we try and lock the door at the back first before we start thinking about more flair and attacking players.”

Town’s summer rebuild has seen them sign centre-backs Tom Anderson, Will Boyle and Sam Stubbs - all of whom are vastly experienced in the fourth tier of English football. 

They have also added veteran midfielder Sam Clucas to the squad and Tom Sang, who was promoted from League Two with Port Vale last season.