Aneke a 'massive' signing for Shrewsbury - Appleton

Chuks Aneke helped Charlton clinch promotion to the Championship

New Shrewsbury Town striker Chuks Aneke is set to become a "massive and key signing" for the club, says head coach Michael Appleton.

Former Arsenal youth player Aneke, 32, reunited with Appleton this week after the pair worked together at Charlton during Appleton's four-month stint as manager in the first half of the 2023-24 season.

The Town boss said he was "very excited" at being able to bring Aneke in as a free agent following the closure of the transfer window at the start of the month.

"He's a good footballer, he's someone I've got a lot of respect for," Appleton told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"He plays the game in a certain way and has an impact as a substitute as good as anyone I've ever worked with or seen.

"When his team-mates see him stripped off and ready to come on, that gives them a boost of confidence and gives everyone a lift.

Whether we're home or away, he'll add that effect for us, no matter who we're playing so I'm delighted to get him on board."

Shrewsbury are the ninth different club Aneke has played for and his move to Salop comes four months after being released by the Addicks following their League One play-off final win in May.

"There's a bit of work to do with him, obviously he hasn't done much since the back end of May," Appleton said.

"So there's a bit of work to do get him up to speed but once we do I think he'll be a massive, key player for the club going forward.

"He was someone we'd been speaking to but not so much thinking we'd have the opportunity [to sign him] if I'm being honest.

"I speak to a lot of players I've worked with in the past and conversations develop.

"Once that window shuts you can be a bit more forthright with players and ask 'what are your options and where are you at?' and it just escalated from there."

Aneke's arrival adds to Appleton's attacking options that already include Ismeal Kabia, Bradley Ihionvien, John Marquis, Callum Stewart and George Lloyd.

"That's something that we didn't probably have - and I mean that with respect - three or four weeks ago," Appleton said.

"So all of a sudden, we're a different animal and a different problem for teams.

"There's still loads and loads of work to do and we're still nowhere near where I want us to be but we're seven games into the season and we're improving bit by bit."

First win was 'reminder what it feels like for players'

Michael Appleton was in charge at Charlton for four months between September 2023 and January 2024 and joined Shrewsbury on an initial interim basis in March

Town welcome Salford to The Croud Meadow on Saturday buoyed by their first league win of the season at Barnet a week ago.

Appleton said getting their first victory in League Two this term after a difficult start has given everyone a lift.

"It's hard not to. It took a bit of time coming but we want to build on that," he said.

"There were signs coming and we can move forward and hopefully get a few more wins under our belt.

"I think it was a reminder to the players what it feels like winning games.

"It's not easy at any level but when you haven't done it for a while you sometimes forget so it was great for the players to feel that and hopefully they'll want more of it."