Shrewsbury Town launch their pre-season campaign with a friendly against Stafford Rangers, giving manager Gavin Cowan his first chance to evaluate his new-look squad. The League Two side, who finished 19th last season with 49 points (13W-10D-23L), will use the match to test their summer signings and tactical approach ahead of the new campaign.
What’s new for Shrewsbury this season?
Cowan’s side will feature six new faces: Arkell Jude-Boyd, Isaac Fletcher, Josh Davison, Byron Pendleton, Jack Price, and Jay Turner-Cooke. The defensive options have expanded with Jude-Boyd and Pendleton joining, while Luca Hoole and Josh Ruffels have signed new contracts. Up front, Davison will partner George Lloyd, and midfielders Turner-Cooke and Fletcher aim to make an immediate impact.
How are Stafford Rangers shaping up?
The non-league hosts, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, have strengthened under new American ownership. Fan favorite Tom Tonks has returned, bringing his renowned long throws. Stafford enter the match in good form after pre-season wins over Brereton Social and Telford Town.
What’s next for Shrewsbury?
After this fixture, Shrewsbury will travel to the Isle of Man for the Summer Football Festival, facing more non-league opposition. With last season’s form (LDDWL in the last five) showing room for improvement, Cowan will use these friendlies to fine-tune his squad before the League Two opener.
