Matt Tootle is back on the go with Town

There were a few eyebrows raised when Town snapped up the Crewe full-back earlier this summer.

Only a year ago, the 24-year-old Railwaymen captain had swept the board at the club's Player of the Season awards and been linked with a move to Blackburn.

But, last October, he was struck down by an ankle injury then suffered a mystery illness which doctors said could have been meningitis or pleurisy.

And, after 224 appearances for the Alex, Tootle still hasn't played competitively since.

But, after a change of scene and a full pre-season with Town, he believes he is on the road to full recovery, having also became a father for the first time this summer.

He said: "Just to be training every day is a relief because last year was a long one for me. I wasn't just injured – there were times when I was just at home.

"In five years at Crewe, I'd never been injured – I played nearly every game. So every side of it, including the mental side, and losing as much fitness as I did, was a challenge.

"Thankfully I don't feel anywhere near where I was. Now to get back training every day and be as fit as I can is where I want to be."

Tootle admits it's going to take a while for Town fans to see him at his best, after so long out.

He said: "I'm still not there yet, but all I can do is get as much game time as I can, because that's going to improve me.

"Luckily, I didn't put weight on, but just to get that fitness back is going to take a while – maybe 10-15 games.

"Once I get that I can start fully focusing on getting back to the form I was because I was playing the best football of my life.

"So I will get back to that form but I just hope it's sooner rather than later. I still feel fine but I think the games are going to make me better.

"That will also help sharpen my mind up on the pitch, but it's just been reassuring that the gaffer and 'Jacko' (assistant boss Mike Jackson) have been so good, knowing how long I've been out.

"Getting that competitive edge is going to be the best thing for me now."

With time on his hands, Tootle admits the strain took its toll, saying: "It was difficult to not get where I expected to get to.

"But I still feel coming here is a step up and, hopefully, we'll be challenging for the play-offs and beyond, because that's what we think we can all do.

"I just want to get back to that form and hopefully that can help Shrewsbury and myself."

Tootle has been grateful for all the support he's received in his new surroundings.

He said: "It's been great. Starting at a new club was always going to be big after leaving Crewe. But they're a really good set of lads here and you can see why they got promoted.

"I've enjoyed every minute of it and I'm looking forward to the real stuff starting now."