'He has the bit between his teeth' - Gareth Ainsworth reacts to Harrison Biggins' return

The 28-year-old made 17 appearances for the Cumbrians after moving to Brunton Park on the final day of the summer transfer window. 

Biggins only arrived at the Croud Meadow last summer, but after making six appearances for Salop earlier in the campaign, he was sent out on loan by boss Paul Hurst to get more minutes.

And speaking in his press conference before Town's game against Wrexham this Thursday current boss Ainsworth discussed the former Doncaster man's future. 

He said: "Harrison Biggins has returned from loan in Carlisle - so there is one in there. 

"That happens sometimes you know. He has come back into the building so I met him this morning for the first time in person. 

"Harrison looks like he is up for the fight he wants to contribute, it was a chaotic window for him when he first came and then he was loaned out in the same window which is very rare in football. 

"He has returned with the bit between his teeth which I like, and of course, there is one or two more in the pipeline. 

"I am not going to mention who they are or where they are or what positions because until it is on the dotted line you have got to be careful. 

"There will be some changes, in this window without a shadow of a doubt."

The Salop head coach recognised Carlisle are having a tough season but says Biggins will now get the chance to prove himself in Shropshire. 

"They are having a very tough season," he said. "Again players sometimes thrive under different managers, I am hoping he can thrive under me. 

"Looking at his footage he is my kind of player. He covers ground he is very physical he will put a tackle in and he is not scared of doing that. 

"Listen if Harrison Biggins shows good form in training and in game time when he gets it, then he will be part of what we are doing going forward without a doubt. 

"He was brought here with all intents and purposes to play for Shrewsbury Town, but so far he hasn't and I intend to change that and he will get some minutes in the first team."

Biggins made his debut for Salop in their League One opener against Stevenage back in August 2024 - a game they lost 1-0 - he came on as a substitute for Tom Bloxham in the 67th minute. 

He featured in Town's Carabao Cup win against Notts County, a game which finished 3-3 in normal time, only for Shrewsbury to progress on penalties. 

The second round of that competition was his final appearance after they lost 2-0 to Bolton. He then headed up to Carlisle on loan in a shock deadline-day move. 

With Charles Sagoe Jr, Jordan Rossiter and Josh Kayode leaving the Croud Meadow this month - his return offers Shrewsbury some strength in numbers.