Steve Arnold fired up for Shrewsbury challenge
New goalkeeper Steve Arnold admits his Shrewsbury Town move is ‘surreal’ and has found the step up an ‘eye opener’.
The 28-year-old completed his free transfer from non-league Barrow yesterday after impressing while on trial with Town.
He is the first senior goalkeeper through the doors at Montgomery Waters Meadow this summer with another still to follow.
Arnold, who played in friendlies against Bristol City and Burnley, said he went into Town training this summer keen to impress boss John Askey but did not put himself under too much pressure.
“It’s a bit surreal if I’m being honest,” said the 6ft 5ins shot-stopper. “You don’t really see a jump from the Conference to League One, especially a goalkeeper.
“That’s what I thought coming in. ‘Just go in, do what you do and if they like you then they like you’.
“I must have impressed the gaffer for him to make a decision.
“It’s a bit surreal but I’m used to it having played in this league before and one I’m really looking forward to.
“Having been at Gillingham (at the start of) last year from non-league and seeing the difference was a real eye-opener.
“It gets better and better year in, year out. That level goes up. Coming in here and seeing the quality is a big eye-opener.”
