Thursday Sep 29 2005 16:01
Shrewsbury Town have completed the signing of Tranmere Rovers full-back Neil Ashton after fending off late competition from Port Vale.
The 19-year-old played 24 times during a six-month loan spell at Gay Meadow last term and Shrews boss Gary Peters was delighted he agreed to make the switch permanent by signing a two-year deal.
"It was a little touch and go as Port Vale came in and offered Tranmere money for him, Tranmere did also think of keeping Neil as their player," Peters told the club's official website.
"We had a bit of uncertainty that it may not happen as Tranmere could have asked us for the same money that Port Vale were offering. Brian Little is a man of honour and told us that Ashy was our player and he stuck to his word.
"To be fair the big reason that Ashy didn't go to Port Vale was because he wanted to come here."
Ashton is Town's second summer signing following the arrival of American midfielder Jay Denny from Stoke City.
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