Asa Hall: I've improved since last spell with Shrews

Returning midfielder Asa Hall believes both he and Shrewsbury Town have improved since his first spell at the club.

The 25-year-old, who spent four months on loan at Town in 2008, was one of six new faces paraded by the League One club on their return to pre-season training yesterday.

And Hall, who has left Oxford to set up base in Shropshire once again, is confident he can dispel the old theory of 'never go back.'

"The first spell seems a lifetime ago now and I've grown up a lot since," he said.

"My decision making is better and I'm more of a team player. I will bring a lot of energy from box-to-box and hopefully a lot of goals.

"The club feels different as well. It's more professional and more ambitious and on the up. I spoke to the gaffer and everyone wants to achieve." The wind of change swept through the Greenhous Meadow yesterday with Hall joined by fellow new-boys Darren Jones, Rob Purdie, Luke Summerfield, Ryan Doble and Aaron Wildig, who made his loan move from Cardiff a permanent deal over the summer.

Purdie has arrived from Hereford with boss Graham Turner impressed with his versatility.

And the 29-year-old is happy to play anywhere for the team.

"I lost probably having a best position five or six years ago," he said. "Last season I played in every position I think apart from goalkeeper.

"I can play left-back, right-back, either side of midfield, central midfield, even just behind a striker. But as long as I train hard I just want to play.

"You'll get the same effort from me wherever I play.

"I'm not really looking for one position at the moment.

"I know if I come in and play well then I'll get one – and when I do get one I'll put 100 per cent effort into it.

"I know a couple of the lads from Oldham, Reuben Hazell and Joe Jacobson, so it's always nice to sit down with somebody you know.

"I'm excited but it's not very nice being the new kid.

"After a couple of days I'll know everyone else and everyone will be having the banter, the crack, so it will be fine."

Youth team graduates Ryan Woods and Elliot Turner also linked up with the first-team squad.

n More pictures – Page 47