Gareth Ainsworth reveals why recruitment has been so challenging for Shrewsbury Town

The head coach revealed Salop missed out on a couple of targets on Wednesday as they try to strengthen their squad before deadline day. 

So far this month, Shrewsbury have added three players from non-league to their squad. Callum Stewart came from Leamington, Ricardo Dinanga arrived from Telford, and a player Ainsworth has worked with before, Dominic Gape, made the switch to Shropshire after his contract with Eastleigh expired. 

It is understood the focus between now and the window closing is to bring in some League One experience, as Salop seek to give themselves the best possible chance of staying in the division.

Reflecting on the window, the former Wycombe Wanderers and Queens Park Rangers boss has explained why he believes Town have found it hard to bring in reinforcements this month. 

"It's been tough. It really has. We've had loads of names," he said. "They're getting picked off left, right and centre by other clubs. 

"I've had a couple that I lost out on. One I've worked with before, would have been fantastic to bring here.

"I'm finding out that the location of Shrewsbury and also our league position is not as attractive as some other places. Honestly, it's coming down to that. It really is.

"I think that's tough. That's something that I'm going to have to look at. I'm going to have to maybe have a look at different targets, different areas that we target.

"We're going to keep trying. We're going to keep pushing. We're possibly close on one, but we did lose out on a couple on Wednesday.

"That's tough for me to take because it's something I want to do. I want to bring a couple of players here, especially ones that probably know me, and know the way I play. I think both Jamal (Blackman) and Dom (Gape), who I've worked with before, have come in and been good signings.

"I think they've done really well. I want more like that in the building. Some experience, some know-how of how I go about things.

"Also, there's some good youngsters about, there's some energy about. We've got to try and balance the squad. Hopefully, we can get some in."

For all the clubs, the window slams shut on Monday evening. And Ainsworth has not given up hope they can get what they desire before that point. 

He said: "We've got four or five days left. I've always said on the last day, sometimes a gem will become available, and everyone's done their business.

"That's where the ones who maybe haven't done business or struggled to do business get lucky on that last day. 

"We're working hard, and we'll definitely bring a couple in before the end of the window. It's just how and when.

"All the parameters seem to have to be right for the other players to come in here. I understand that, but I'm still working really hard. I don't want the fans to think we've given up.

"Absolutely not. We've got players we're watching. We'll be here till late on Thursday, and we will be doing a drive on some potential targets.

"It's tough when you don't get the ones you want. We move on to the next one, things happen for a reason. Let's see what we can get."