Shrewsbury Town plan to revamp their training ground in 'massive step forward'

Town have confirmed they are about to start work on their Sundorne site, which they have owned for more than 15 years, but only occasionally use for sessions.

The two full-size pitches and one of three-quarter size will be transformed, with new drainage installed.

And an old sports pavilion will be refurbished with new dressing rooms, toilets and a meeting area.

Mellon said: "I think it's a fantastic time to build it. It's a massive step forward for the club.

"It's something its needed for many years and there's no doubt, in years to come, it will help build future teams and individuals for Shrewsbury.

"It's a big investment from the football club for its own future and it's terrific it's doing that.

"It's very exciting. It's important we have a base to try to improve the players, individuals and the team as a group. We'll have the facilities to do that for many years to come now."

Work to secure the site and install fencing is due to start soon and the club hope to move there as their permanent training base from the start of next season.

Town are in talks with ALS, the contractor who carried out work on the Greenhous Meadow pitch in the summer, to look at the training pitches.

Mellon hopes having a permanent base – they sometimes have to use Lilleshall Hall during bad weather – will pay dividends.

The Shrews chief normally puts his players through their paces on the pitch behind Greenhous Meadow.

He said: "It's vital you have a consistent training facility. It's not easy, because you've got to pack all the stuff up here in a van, take all that to Lilleshall and unpack it.

"The pitch at the back of the stadium is too boggy now."