Shrewsbury Town have announced the acquisition of trialist midfielder Jordan Rossiter on a one-year contract.
The 27-year-old Liverpudlian signed his contract on Tuesday night, after playing 75 minutes in Shrewsbury’s 1-1 draw with AFC Telford United.
It was his second trial match in Town colours, following a standout performance in the 2-1 win over Derby County at Croud Meadow. Rossiter has been training with Paul Hurst’s Town since Friday, after the head coach called the former Liverpool youngster early last week, and the two met for talks last Wednesday.
Rossiter impressed manager Hurst again against the Bucks, although Town battled late on and lost their 1-0 lead in stoppage time.
The ex-Reds and Rangers player, a former England youth international, has played for Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers in the EFL, as well as on loan at Bury.
Rossiter missed more than a year with his previous club Rovers due to an infection in his knee following knee surgery. The Gas offered him a new contract but he couldn’t agree on terms, so he spent the summer on trial with Stockport County, where he was also offered one.
Both Rossiter and Hurst, however, stated that a transfer to Shrewsbury felt natural following early discussions.
Hurst stated, “In this type of game (against Derby on Saturday), there are more evident instances when the opponent has it and is developing, and that is where he demonstrates his importance.
“Tonight, against Telford, after he went out – and no judgement to those who came on – without him and Carl, we lost that structure and knowhow.
“On the ball tonight, I believe he played some fantastic balls; he punched the ball forward between their midfield and backline.
“We were told from the start that he’s a really lovely kid, and we could see it when he arrived. I think there’s an element of him being a little bit nicer than what I expect him to be going forward, eventually since he was on trial. We knew it was never going to be a long trial.
“His fitness has been a challenge, but he’s made it through the games; when you see him walk, he’s not the easiest mover. But when he’s on the pitch, he almost seems to alter. I believe he has the potential to be a major contributor for us.
“I really hope for his sake as much as ours that he can stay well since he’s had some bad luck, particularly with the knee illness. Yes, there was an injury, but the infection has nothing to do with him.
“He’ll be a huge player, and even if he’s not fit for a game or two, he’ll be a great asset around the place. He is a leader and a winner, and I’m glad we’ve added him to the squad.”
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