Shrewsbury Town's Andy Mangan says he has nothing to prove

Mangan is one of just three senior strikers in Mellon's Salop squad – plus Newcastle United loanee Ivan Toney – with 18-year-old academy graduate Ethan Jones taking the Town attacking total to four.

And Mangan, who turns 30 later this month, is ready to produce in League One this term during his second spell at Greenhous Meadow.

He said: "Over the course of my time at Shrewsbury I think I've more than proved my worth to the club.

"Some of the goals I've scored and performances I put in. I got promoted and helped the club stay in the league so I wouldn't say that I have to prove to myself. Being a footballer you have to prove every day that you want to be a footballer. You have to fight to be in the team at every single club, no matter what you've done, you've still got to produce and my plan is to produce this season."

Mangan played a massive part in boss Micky Mellon's promotion-winning campaign during the 2014/15 season, scoring 10 times in 36 games in all competitions that season – including nabbing the goal in the high-profile League Cup exit to Chelsea.

Now one of the more experienced members of the squad, Mangan – who moved to Tranmere inbetween two spells in Shropshire – is enjoying watching the 10 new Salop squad members gel.

"They're nice lads, which always helps. I consider myself one of the senior players now," he said.

"I'm nearly 30 and I'd like to think I'm one of the more experienced lads that's helped them integrate.

"But what helps them more than anything is winning football matches. That helps everyone and if we can start that then it's going to help."

On acting as a mentor to the younger members of the squad, Mangan noted that it can often depend on the context of the season.

He added: "It all depends on what situation you're in. If you're in a good place then you're going to help more, if you're working on a few things yourself then you're nore quiet. But I think we've definitely bonded."