Shrews to face Charlton Athletic

Shrewsbury Town will entertain League One giants Charlton Athletic in what is sure to be a mouth-watering first round tie in the Carling Cup.

The former Premier League side will head to the Greenhous Meadow in the week beginning Monday, August 9 for the big clash.

And it will bring back happy memories for new Town manager Graham Turner - whose Hereford side actually dumped Charlton out of the competition at the same stage last season.

It will be the second game of the season for both clubs, with the Football League programme getting under way on Saturday, August 7.

Charlton finished seventh in the Premier League as recently as 2004 but slumped down the divisions after the departure of Alan Curbishley.

The Addicks are likely to be the bookies' favourites to win promotion from the third tier of the League next season, having fallen to Swindon in the play-off semi-finals last term.

"We're delighted, it's great to be at home again and — like Ipswich last season — it's great to be drawn against a big club," said general manager Jon Harris.

"It should be a good early test for us and they are one of the sides we were hoping to pull out of the hat."

Meanwhile, Turner has begun the process of recruiting his coaching staff by offering a role to recently retired defender Michael Jackson.

Career

The 36-year-old had to hang up his boots last season due to a long term injury, after a lengthy career that took in the likes of Bury, Preston, Tranmere and Blackpool.

He made just 21 appearances for Shrewsbury but remained on at the club in a coaching capacity.

Jackson took charge of the team for the final game of the season at Port Vale after the sacking of Paul Simpson.

"I'm delighted to have the chance to be involved in helping to shape the future of the club," said Jackson.

"To work with someone who has as much experience as Graham Turner is a great opportunity for me.

"I am now really looking forward to getting down to the hard work and help bring success to Shrewsbury Town."

By CHRIS HUDSON