Shrewsbury Town sign goalkeeper Steve Arnold on free transfer
Shrewsbury Town have completed the free transfer of former trialist Steve Arnold on a two-year deal.
The 28-year-old has spent a week at Town's Sundorne training base and featured in the 1-1 draw at Bristol City and excelled in the 1-0 win at Burnley.
Arnold was most recently with Barrow after leaving former club Gillingham in January but has stepped up two divisions to sign at Montgomery Waters Meadow after impressing boss John Askey.
Askey is a long-term admirer of Arnold, who has impressed on the pitch and behind the scenes during his Town trial.
The boss said: "I've seen Steve for a number of years and he's always done well. He's big, he's strong and has shown he performs well.
"I think he'll be a good signing for us.
"He was outstanding against Burnley and kept us in the game. Against Bristol he did well, he might have done better with the goal but that's being a little bit harsh.
"Overall he's done well and has trained well. I think he'll be a good addition for the football club.
"He's got a good presence, he's strong and can come for crosses. I'm surprised that he's not played at this level and nobody's taken him before.
"I know Ady Pennock thinks a lot of him and wherever he's gone he's taken him."
Arnold made 30 appearances for Stevenage in League One in the 2012/13 campaign but a couple of serious injurious hampered the 6 ft 5 in keeper's progress.
He stepped down and played two seasons in the National League with Forest Green.
The former Norwich trainee is the first senior keeper through the door this summer and Askey is on the lookout for another. He suggested that a potential loan is still being monitored but Town are waiting for other clubs to fall in line.
"You can't start the season with one keeper, it's partly done," added the boss. "We're still looking for another decent keeper.
"We've got one or two on the go. Hopefully one of those will come off."
Arnold, who is Askey sixth signing since taking charge of Town, added: "I'm buzzing. I've been here a week, played two games and got the call yesterday and made the decision.
"It's always nice when you come in somewhere and you make an impact. I'd like to think I've done well and enough for the gaffer to offer me a new deal.
"I'm looking forward to starting.
"Burnley had some top players playing. We got a little bit under the cosh in the first 30 minutes which benefitted me in a way because it showed what I can do.
"I was delighted to keep a clean sheet and come away with a 1-0 win. I know it's pre-season but it all bodes well for the season.
"I wouldn't say coming on trial is nice. It's always a bit daunting and you get that new school feeling going into the dressing room when you're not sure who's who or where to sit.
"But you ease your way in and feel settled. I feel quite settled and it's only going to get better."
