Graham Turner sees tour as a bonding mission

Boss Graham Turner believes Shrewsbury Town's pre-season trip to Devon next week will prove a useful exercise - both on and off the pitch.

Town head to Devon to make their first ever appearance in the Joma South West Challenge Cup which starts on Monday.

With a guaranteed two games - and a maximum of four - it will form a vital part of the pre-season preparations.

But Turner believes it will also give his squad - which has undergone some significant summer changes - the opportunity to bond.

"It's going to be an interesting tournament and there are some good teams in there," said the Shrewsbury boss.

"It's also a good chance to get the lads together for a week and for them to get to know each other, us to know them and vice versa."

Injury victims Nathan Elder and Kris Bright, who has returned to light training, will continue their rehabilitation in Shrewsbury but Tom Bradshaw and Dean Holden will both travel south after recovering from minor thigh problems.

New recruit Mark Wright - the winger who signed on a six-month loan deal from Bristol Rovers yesterday afternoon - as well as fellow summer signings Mat Sadler, Ian Sharps,

David Raven and Matt Harrold, are all expected to travel.

Former Rangers midfielder Paul Emslie, who was on trial, has now returned to Scotland without being offered a contract.

The 12-team tournament kicks off on Monday with Shrewsbury travelling to Ilfracombe in group three on the opening night (8pm).

Town's second and final group game comes on Thursday against Rushden & Diamonds.

The four group winners progress to the semi-finals which will be played next Saturday, with the final coming 24 hours later.

Premier League side Blackpool are the highest profile team in next week's tournament, while the entrants also include Kilmarnock, Doncaster, Accrington Stanley and Leyton Orient.