Mat Sadler setting the bar high for Shrewsbury Town

The Shrews stopper is expected to play a big part for Paul Hurst’s side this season after flourishing under the Town chief’s guidance last term.

But after experiencing back-to-back survival fights since signing at the Meadow, the 32-year-old wants to see Town fighting further up the League One table.

Sadler will wear the No.5 shirt this seasonafter Hurst rejuvenated the ex-Birmingham man’s form with a move into the middle of defence. He went on to land three awards at the club’s end of season presentation.

“If we were battling around the middle of the table then that would be a good position but I’m not going to stand here and say that I’m looking for a 12th-placed finish,” he saidthe determined Sadler.

“Why would I? Who wants to finish 12th?

“We’ve got our sights firmly set on doing well this season. We want to progress and we want to improve.

“We’re looking forward to improving on last season and also causing a stir.”

Sadler made 39 appearances last term and labelled it his most successful to date. Hurst has also explained how Sadler adds a crucial link between the dressing room and management staff. But the defender is not about to rest on his laurels after a flying finish to the last campaign.

Hurst has added former Reading man Zak Jules to his defensive options this summer, a left-footed centre-half that could challenge Sadler for his position in the starting line up.

Sadler added: “The moment you lose the desire to want to improve and to succeed, I also mentioned that I wasn’t happy to finish fifth or sixth bottom, so there’s your motivation right there.

“I want to be part of a Shrewsbury team that’s challenging for something.

“Showing pride for the shirt that’s beyond a pitch invasion for staying up. We want it to be the opposite end of that.

“There’ll never be any issues or qualms about my motivation because I’m desperate to achieve for Shrewsbury.

"Every time I put that jersey on that’s exactly how I’ll be going about my business.”