Shrewsbury Town sign defender Mark Ellis

The 25-year-old stopper, who played 40 games for the Railway men last season, has become manager Micky Mellon's third signing of the close season.

He has been snapped up on a two-year deal with an option for another 12 months at the Greenhous Meadow.

Ellis, who was released by Crewe at the end of last season after helping them beat the drop in League One, will be stepping down a tier.

But he said he has no qualms about that and is determined to help return Shrewsbury to the English third tier at the first time of asking.

Asked how the last few days had gone, he said: "It has been exciting. I have made a couple of trips here now, had a look around and I am pleased with what I have seen.

"I have not met the manager but I have had a good chat with assistant boss Mike Jackson. I like what I hear and I like what they want to do, so I am happy to be here.

"It is always disappointing to leave a good club (like Crewe), perhaps I would have liked to have stayed there if I was offered something.

"But that wasn't the case. I have had to look elsewhere and I don't think there's a better place to come to than Shrewsbury

"When you look at the ground and the facilities here it is not a League Two club at all. The club want to come straight back up and I want to be playing in League One, and I am sure the rest of the players want to be there as well."

"It's about bouncing back at the first opportunity. That is what has made my mind up to come here. Mike has filled me in on what they want to do and where they want to go and I am more than happy to go along with it."

Ellis is bracing himself for a tough pre-season but is looking forward to meeting his new team mates..

He said: "It is obvious that we are going to have to gel as a team, with new players coming in, and hopefully we can do that sooner rather than later."