Shrews miss out on McNiven

Last updated : 30 June 2004 By Matthew Gamble
Town had expressed an interest in the experienced striker, but he has decided to move north of the border instead.

McNiven looks set to join Queen of the South of the Scottish first division. Shrewsbury's Dave Cooke told the Shropshire Star: 'He was very keen on joining us but I know that he's played for Hamilton before and his girlfriend is from up there so that's why he's returned.'

The news does not come as a huge blow to the club, after it was revealed that Colin Cramb wanted to stay at the Meadow and that Jody Banim was working hard to be fit fot the big kick off.

Another boost came when Assistant boss Dave Cooke confirmed to ShrewsWeb that Ryan Lowe would be signing a new deal. He said the popular player would 'definitely sign', and added: 'Ryan's had a few offers but he doesn't want to go anywhere else, he wants to play for Shrewsbury Town'.

*Town have beaten Oldham to offer a trial to highly rated non-league youngster Melford Knight from Nantwich Town.

Nantwich Chairman Clive Jackson described Knight as 'very imortant' and 'combative'. He said: 'When Melford came back from his suspension we looked a different side, so you can see the kind of influence he has.'