Mark Halstead: I aim to be Shrewsbury's No 1

The 25-year-old , who played 19 games in all competitions last season, penned a one-year deal at the Greenhous Meadow.

It came on the eve of today's League One curtain-raiser at home to Milton Keynes Dons.

Halstead becomes the fourth pro goalkeeper on the books after Jayson Leutwiler, Callum Burton and Shaun Rowley.

The announcement leaves only James Wesolowski of the players initially offered deals to still be unsigned.

Now his future is sorted, Halstead is determined to recapture the No 1 spot from Leutwiler.

He insisted: "I want to make the number one spot my own. There's no bitterness between me and Jayson - it's a friendly rivalry but, ultimately, it's my career.

"I'm at the age now where I need to be playing games, so whether it's an injury, suspension or drop in form, I'm determined to take that chance."

With his future undecided, Halstead didn't figure as much as he wanted in pre-season, but insists he will be ready if and when his chance comes.

He said: "I'd have liked a few more minutes, but circumstances dictated it wasn't to be, but if I'm needed I'm more than ready to step in."

The former Blackpool reserve is now looking to being part of Micky Mellon's squad again and believes Town are in for a better campaign after last season's successful fight against relegation.

Halstead told the club's website: "With the signings and the recruitment this summer, we should be a lot more stable, so it's definitely a good place to be."

Mellon admitted finances dictated Town that Halstead's deal couldn't be concluded until the eve of the season.

The Town boss said: "It's been something we've been wanting to do all pre-season, but the club is a business and you can't roll these things out until you have the money for them.

"The opportunity has come for us to tie all that up and I'm delighted to get him in because Mark is still a developing goalkeeper."

Halstead added: "It took longer than I'd have liked, but it's sorted before the season starts and I'm ready to get going."

The goalkeeper had other options, but he believes he has made the right choice. He said: "You have to weigh up the possibilities, and with a day to go until the season, it wasn't a hard choice.

"I'm happy here and I'm looking forward to getting started again."