Shaw praises trio for taking pay cut to stay with Worksop

Tigers’ new boss was quick to retain Leon Mettam, Tom Denton and Phil Roe, a hat-trick of vital signings who would have attracted attention from other clubs.

He told the Guardian: “There has been budget cuts, but these signings will probably make it look like there hasn’t been – full credit to them for taking a cut to re-sign for the club.”

“It’s a great club to play for and they’re coming in for the right reasons, wanting to play for the supporters.”

“These three signings are huge.”

Shaw has wasted no time in signing what he calls a ‘platform’ for the club to build on, adding Josh Davies, Laurence aughan and Conor Higginson.

He said: “We’ve brought in what was needed to start putting together a young, quality team with a bit of experience that’s going to achieve something.”

“We’ve got a good base now to build on.”

All six of the signings will be contracted players, and Shaw has in mind others who he wants to sign on the dotted line.

“We’ve got a set number of contracts we’re looking at, then there will be those who have to try and break into the first team, and some younger players who will go out on loan to develop.”