Shrewsbury Town have completed the signing of former Portsmouth winger Anthony Scully on a one-year deal.
The 26-year-old joins on a free transfer after leaving Fratton Park earlier this summer and becomes the club’s seventh signing of a busy window.
Appleton Reunites With Key Former Attacker
Scully links back up with head coach Michael Appleton, who previously managed him at Lincoln City. The pair enjoyed a fruitful spell together at the LNER Stadium, where Scully produced 37 goals in 106 appearances between 2020 and 2022.
His move to Shrewsbury follows a difficult period in his career. After departing Lincoln for Championship side Wigan Athletic in September 2022, Scully made just five appearances for the Latics before joining Portsmouth a year later. His time at Fratton Park was similarly disrupted, featuring only nine times across two seasons.
Last term, the Republic of Ireland youth international spent two spells on loan at League Two outfit Colchester United, making 18 appearances and hoping to reignite his career. That fresh start now comes in the form of a permanent deal at The Croud Meadow.
Director of football Micky Moore expressed delight at finally getting the deal done ahead of the new campaign.
“Michael and Anthony go back many years and they had a very successful time working together before,” Moore said. “I’m really happy we got this over the line before the season starts because we believe he offers something different to what we’ve got in the squad. He’s someone we’ve targeted for a while and I know Michael and Anthony have been in touch for a few weeks already. We’re thrilled to have him and we’re excited to see what he does over the coming season.”
Scully’s arrival follows the signings of goalkeeper Elyh Harrison, defenders Tom Anderson, Sam Stubbs and Will Boyle, as well as midfielder Tom Sang and experienced campaigner Sam Clucas. The additions mark a significant rebuild under Appleton as Shrewsbury prepare for life in League Two following relegation from the third tier.
With the season opener just around the corner, Scully could quickly become a key figure in Town’s revamped forward line, especially given his past relationship with the manager and proven ability at this level.
Writer’s View
This move makes sense for all parties. Shrewsbury are rebuilding on a tight budget, and Scully arrives with the hunger of a player looking to prove himself again after a tough couple of years. While his stints at Wigan and Portsmouth were disappointing, his record under Appleton at Lincoln suggests there is still a very capable winger there, one who understands the system and has shown he can deliver goals from wide areas.
For Scully, it is a vital opportunity to reignite a once-promising career, and with familiar management and surroundings, he might finally find the stability that has been lacking since leaving Lincoln. If he can stay fit and rediscover his confidence, this could quietly prove one of the shrewder signings of the League Two summer.
