Shrewsbury Town have announced the signing of ex-Rangers and current free agent midfielder Ian Black on a two-year deal, the club’s official website has confirmed.
The 30-year-old made 35 appearances for Rangers in the Scottish competitions last season, scoring three and assisting four. In total, the midfielder has made over 300 appearances in his career so far. He has also made one appearance for Scotland back in 2012, that coming in the 3-1 home friendly win against Australia.
Black had been at the Shropshire club on trial before signing a two-year contract with the option of a third. Speaking with Salop’s official club website, the Scottish-born player admits he was eager to make the move south of the border.
“I came down early last week for a few days training and after meeting the gaffer and listening to his plans, I was really keen to join here,” Black explained to the website.
“Straight away I was welcomed by all the staff. It is like a little family club with everyone seeming to stick together so that’s great for me.”
“I’m quite fortunate that my wife is from down south so she is delighted to be moving back into England. My main aim was to get somewhere back in England and so I am delighted to have ended up here.”
Town have been looking for replacements for midfielder Ryan Woods, who made the deadline day move to Championship side Brentford. Despite his vast experience, Black admits that he will have to fight for his place in the Shrewsbury starting line-up. “I am going to come down and work hard and really enjoy it. I know there will be competition for places still and I am looking forward to that challenge,” he said.
“The team have been doing brilliant recently so I don’t expect to walk into the team, it will take time and I will have to take my opportunities.”
“I am an all-round midfield player. I always give my all no matter how the game is going.”
Black could feature in Shrewsbury Town’s home clash against Crewe on Saturday.
