"We're a very young side and we could do with some experience," he told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"We could do with a bit of a spine that can grind out results and knows how to win games."

Shrewsbury lost 2-1 to Macclesfield on Saturday but Simpson insists he will let his players play with freedom.

The clubs are nine points clear of the League Two drop zone after the defeat in Simpson's first game in charge.

And, while that's a cushion, the manager admits relegation is still a concern.

"We've got a number of games coming up against other teams near the bottom, and we've got to make sure we get points from them," he said.