Shrewsbury seal Heathcote deal

Shrewsbury have completed the signing of Plymouth captain Mick Heathcote on a free transfer.

The 35-year-old is returning for his second spell with the club, for whom he played 43 games in the 1990/91 season.

Boss Kevin Ratcliffe is delighted to be bringing Heathcote back to Gay Meadow.

He told the club's website: "Mickey offers us that bit of experience in the centre of defence.

"Add to that Mark Atkins and Nigel Jemson and that will give us a lot of experience down the spine of the side."

Plymouth Argyle boss Paul Sturrock will be disappointed by the news.

On learning of Shrewsbury's initial interest, he told Argyle's official website: "It is a real blow because I'd included Mick in my plans.

"It will affect not just the defence but the midfield too."

Heathcote made over 200 appearances for Plymouth and had his testimonial game against former club Sunderland last week.