Graham Turner keeps faith in Town fighting spirit

GRAHAM TURNER is confident Shrewsbury Town can re-create their promotion spirit – despite the massive summer overhaul of playing staff. No less than nine players have left the Greenhous Meadow this season, including all five who were offered fresh terms.

Boss Turner has brought in eight new faces – with the prospect of another two to follow – and is confident his new-look squad will mould together quickly.

"The days when, as a manager, you could bully them into submission to get what you want from them are gone," he said.

"I think you need players to buy into the ethos of the club, to want to be successful and work hard and be disciplined. The vast majority of players do that and your senior players are important. Your dressing room is only as good as your senior players – they can influence things.

"We have the nucleus of the players with us from last season and I don't see any reason why we shouldn't have a dressing room just as good as it was then."

Meanwhile, Turner has revealed the goalkeeping jersey will be up for grabs after yesterday's two new arrivals. Chris Weale looks to be favourite to start the season between the posts having made 85 appearances for Championship club Leicester.

But Turner is refusing to write off the chances of fellow new recruit Joe Anyon, formerly of Port Vale and Lincoln, forcing his way into the side.

"Chris is the more senior of the two keepers but if you speak to Joe he thinks he can claim the place in the side," he added.

Former goalkeeper Chris Neal has signed a two-year deal with Port Vale.