Under Paul Simpson it seems that Shrewsbury Town might be making a concerted effort to get out of League Two. It was 14 years ago that the Shropshire outfit gained promotion to the third tier of English football - and not a great deal has gone right at the club since then.

Having been relegated out of the league back in 2003, they bounced straight back the following season. That was followed by a play-off final appearance at Cardiff, where they went down 3-1 to Bristol Rovers. Last season the Shrews finished a very disappointing 18th place in League Two and it would have been all too easy for doom and gloom to overcome all and sundry at the New Meadow.

It will therefore come as great news to all Shrewsbury Town fans that the club have broken their transfer record by paying £170,000 for Nottingham Forest striker Grant Holt. The apparently ambitious club have made it a double signing by bringing in veteran defender Michael Jackson, who was released by Blackpool at the end of last season.

Holt, 27, completed his move to the New Meadow after Town agreed a fee with Forest last week. He scored only three goals for Forest last season but ended the year with Jackson at Blackpool after he became increasingly frustrated by a lack of first-team opportunities.

Holt is well aware that he is the club's record signing, saying: "It puts a bit of pressure on me. I've got to prove to people I'm worth it." He has played 199 league games at four different clubs, scoring a total of 57 goals.

Jackson, 34, is a veteran of 539 league games and will bring enormous experience to Paul Simpson’s team. Simpson will be determined to get his managerial career back on track after a disappointing time at Preston. Back-to-back promotions with Carlisle had given him a glowing reputation and the chance with a Championship club. For whatever reason, Simpson was unable to make the most of that chance and he will be looking to restore his reputation as quickly as possible.