Defender Colin Murdock is hoping his return to first-team duty can act as a catalyst for an extended stay at Shrewsbury Town.The former Northern Ireland international is one of three remaining players - alongside Luke Jones and Jimmy Ryan - out of contract at the end of the season.
Murdock spent the start of 2008 on the sidelines after falling out of favour with former manager Gary Peters, but has been given his chance to impress by boss Paul Simpson in the last two games against Morecambe and Wrexham.
He admits he would be like to add to his one-year stay at Oteley Road.
“It’s nice to be back in the team and I’m enjoying training and playing,” said the 33-year-old, who is confident of extending his career for at least another two seasons.
“I’m feeling sharp and the last two games have gone well so I’d like to try and stay in the team for the rest of the season.
“I’m not dwelling on the contract issue because it’s out of my hands - all I can do is perform as well as I can and see what happens.
“There is plenty of speculation that the new manager will make changes in the summer to stamp his authority on things and that’s his prerogative.
“I would have to say it has been frustrating at times but you just have to bite your tounge and keep your head down and on the whole, I’ve enjoyed the season and playing for the club.
“If the opportunity arose to stay at the club then it’s something I would give strong consideration to.”
Meanwhile, Town’s Richard Barnett has won the League Two Groundsman of the Year award - in the club’s first season at Oteley Road.
Shrewsbury have pipped Macclesfield and MK Dons to the award after Sports Turf Research Institute visited all the grounds in the country.
“It’s a great honour to receive such an award,” said Barnett. “It reflects on the hard work that has been put in by myself, Andrew Muir (assistant groundsman) and the other people who have helped with the pitch this season.”
Arsenal, Southampton and Nottingham Forest were the other divisional winners.
By James Garrison
4 Comments
That is really good news. I am sure Paul Simpson is shrewd enough to make more use of Colin Murdochs experience than Gary Peters did.
i hope he stays, some of the squad must stay surely
Sell him to the circus.
Excellent comment Jeff,that did make me laugh.
But what could he do in the circus,clean out the
Elephants perhaps,but seriously your comment is spot on,cos he certainly cant play football.