JOE Jacobson has insisted that money was not the motivating factor in his decision to leave Accrington Stanley and join Shrewsbury Town.

Jacobson signed for fellow League Two side Shrewsbury on a Bosman free transfer last week, with Stanley admitting that they could not compete with the salary offered by the Shropshire side.

But the left back says the main reason for his decision was his belief that Shrewsbury, aided by better facilities and an impressive new stadium, may have a better chance of promotion during 2011/12.

“Money really wasn’t the issue,” said Jacobson, who joined Stanley from Oldham in November and will miss the first three games of next season after being sent off in his final game for the Reds in the play-offs.

“I don’t think we really discussed money at Accrington so they could have been offering more, I really don’t know.

“It was about furthering my career really. I just think with the setup, the new stadium and the facilities Shrewsbury are really geared up to go into League One, although it wouldn’t surprise me if Accrington repeat last season and are right up there again.

“I hope both sides get promoted and I’ve got nothing but good things to say about Accrington.

“I wasn’t playing for Oldham but they gave me the chance to go and play games. I’ve called the gaffer and Jimmy (Bell) to thank them.”

Terry Gornell has also agreed to join Shrewsbury but Stanley are due a fee because the striker is under 24.

The two clubs are in talks but Reds assistant Jimmy Bell yesterday described the Shrews’ initial compensation offer as ‘miles short’ of being acceptable.