Shrewsbury Town: Exeter striker Ryan Bowman and Blackburn winger Elliott Bennett sign

Ryan Bowman scored 32 goals in 97 league games in his two and a half years at Exeter City

Shrewsbury Town have taken their total of summer signings to four by bringing in Ryan Bowman from Exeter City and Blackburn winger Elliott Bennett.

Town have paid an undisclosed fee for ex-Carlisle, Darlington, Hereford United, York City, Torquay, Gateshead and Motherwell striker Bowman, 29.

Ex-Wolves, Brighton and Norwich wide man Bennett, 32, pens a one-year deal.

They follow the arrival of defenders Luke Leahy from Bristol Rovers and Everton's Matthew Pennington.

Bowman has signed a two-year contract with League One side Shrewsbury.

"There is a shortage of free agents up top," said Town boss Steve Cotterill. "We've ended up paying a fee for Ryan but I think it will be money well spent.

"He's all action. He does everything. He's played up front by himself which is a rarity these days. He runs hard, quick and in behind teams.

"He holds the ball up well and has a good touch for a big man. He scored 14 goals last season, none of them penalties. I don't see any reason why he won't score as many goals here as he has for Exeter."

Elliott Bennett joined Blackburn Rovers from Norwich City in January 2016

Bennett first worked under Cotterill on loan from Norwich to Bristol City in the 2015-16 season.

"It's five years on since I had him," said Cotterill. "But I know what I'm getting with him. His best position is out wide. He can play wide right or as a wing-back. He crosses the ball really well.

"He's a good leader, a good lad and an excellent professional. He'll be able to educate our younger players in the dressing room. I like to have one or two 'go to' experienced boys around my teams."

Bennett is out-of-contract at the end of June after five and a half years at Ewood Park.

He had been in discussions about extending his deal, but had also been free to speak to other clubs.

Shrewsbury finished 17th in League One, seven points above the relegation zone, having been 23rd - four points adrift of safety - when Cotterill came in after Sam Ricketts was sacked in late November.

Cotterill released 12 players in an end-of-season clear-out, including four ex-Wolves players - striker Leon Clarke, 36, defender Scott Golbourne, 33, and midfielders Dave Edwards, 34, and David Davis, 30.

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