As a weakened team begins to gradually rebuild in preparation for their League Two season, Shrewsbury acquired their fifth acquisition this summer.
When the ownership made a last-ditch effort to avoid relegation, Michael Appleton was hired in March.
Yet, Appleton oversaw only one win in the nine remaining games as Salop ended the campaign with only 8 victories and the second least goals scored.
An exodus was revealed to supporters when the club released their retained list once the pain of their League One campaign subsided.
The contracts of 8 players expired this summer and a major transfer effort was required to plug the relevant gaps in the squad to mount a promotion in 25/26.
Centre-back Josh Feeney returned to parent club Aston Villa, and the nail in the coffin to his spell in Shropshire transpired when he received a red card against fellow relegated side Crawley Town on the final day.
Morgan Feeney returned to Carlisle United while Aaron Pierre was also made a free agent and is yet to find a club for next season.
Despite these outgoings, the recruitment has been sharp to fill the void in the defensive line.
Tom Anderson has decided to utilise his promotion experience from Doncaster Rovers together with Sam Stubbs from Bradford City, who was awarded player of the season as a loanee at Cheltenham last season.
Wrexham centre-back Will Boyle also bolsters the defensive solidity manager Appleton will be sure to prioritise.
Tom Sang is their latest addition, putting pen to paper the day before his 26th birthday.
Jordan Shipley left The Shrews to embrace a new challenge at promoted Port Vale, and the two parties have convened at the negotiating table again as Sang departs The Valients.
Although he was deployed as a centre-back the most last campaign, he was one of the most versatile players in League Two under Darren Moore, who handed him regular minutes to prove himself across two seasons.
He ranked best in chance creation and successful crosses in comparison to other centre-backs, however, this would be a flawed statistic due to Sang’s stints further up the pitch.
Blocks and interceptions per 90 minutes are still among the highest from last season in comparison to other centre-backs, which emphasises his multifaceted attributes are underpinned by an understanding of the game in a variety of positions.
Sang spoke to Shrewsbury Town‘s media team regarding his array of qualities, “It can be a blessing and a curse.”
He added, “I want to lock down one position and play in the same position because I think that is going to be beneficial for me and the team going forward.”
“I’ve got a lot of qualities but there’s a few standout qualities – like a lot of end product.”
Sang will be aiming to guide Shrewsbury back up the football pyramid and accompanies several other signings with promotion credentials.
This has clearly been on the criteria of the ownership when bringing in signings this window.
Manager Appleton and Sang already share common ground since both were Manchester United youth products.
Though Sang was born in Liverpool, much of his development in attacking phases of play in his youth was credit to his time at The Red Devils.
A move away from Port Vale will allow him to hone his craft in a select position which still does not restrict him from offering his offensive spark.
Drawing on versatility from operating as a centre-back and across the midfield during his career will set him apart from opponents and even competing teammates
A two-year contract at New Meadow will allow him to develop specific skills, and if Appleton can get his personnel in line, the Shrews will be well-positioned to fend off promotion-chasing teams on the same trajectory they are on.
