Shrewsbury Town manager Paul Simpson has kicked off his summer rebuilding programme by releasing five players - and revealed: “I hope they come back and haunt me.”
Out-of-contract trio Luke Jones, Colin Murdock and Jimmy Ryan have all been released by Town.
On-loan Manchester United winger Michael Barnes has also been told he has no long-term future at Oteley Road after failing to impress during his month in Shropshire, while former Wolves defender Martin Riley has been released without a first-team appearance after an injury-hit trialist spell.
January signing Asa Hall is in negotiations with Town about making his loan switch from Birmingham a permanent deal, while there have been contrasting fortunes for two of Shrewsbury’s youth graduates who have recently trained with the first-team squad.
Goalkeeper Jasbir Singh has agreed a 12-month deal, but midfielder-cum-attacker Tom Moss has not been offered a contract.
The release of defensive duo Jones and Murdock and former Liverpool midfielder comes as little surprise, with Simpson anxious to free up spaces in his squad to bring in fresh blood after a miserable season.
But the Town boss took the opportunity at last night’s Player of the Year awards at Oteley Road to wish the released players a bright future.
“It’s one of the worst days a manager can have in a season when they have to say to players that they are not part of their plans,” said Simpson.
“It’s no slight on them and I hope they come back and haunt me because I wish them all the best for the future. They all have a part to play in football, but not a part at Shrewsbury Town at this moment in my opinion.”
Meanwhile, Marc Tierney walked away with the two top prizes at the awards dinner last night.
And the former Oldham full-back was thrilled to land the Shropshire Star-sponsored Player of the Year and the players’ Player of the Year gongs.
“It’s the best night of my life in football and they both mean everything to me,” said Tierney.
“The players see everything that goes on day-to-day so to get that award is special,” he added.
“And it also means a lot to get it off the fans as well because they have been absolutely fantastic this season.”
By James Garrison
4 Comments
Right, Mansfield are down, now steal Michael Boulding!!
and when was jimmy ryan last given a chance.
With you there Morgan, he has been a thorn in our side when with The Stags so why not ?
and while your there see if matty hamshaw fancies a few games,
see if luke fancies coming home from the vale