Assistant manager John McMahon and first team coach Stuart Delaney look set to remain as part of Shrewsbury Town’s management team for the 2008-9 campaign.Manager Paul Simpson today confirmed he “fully expects” the pair to retain their positions when the squad returns to pre-season training on July 3.

McMahon and Delaney were both brought to the club by former manager Gary Peters, with McMahon taking a stint as caretaker manager in the interim period before Simpson was appointed.

Many observers expected the new Town chief to bring in his own management team during the summer, but Simpson’s comments today suggest that is wide of the mark.

“There has been a lot made of it by other people, but not by me,” he said.

“John and Stuart have done a good job. I don’t see a problem and I fully expect John and Stuart to be here when we return for pre-season.

“I came in totally open-minded. Sometimes working with people you know works, sometimes it doesn’t.

“I was asked by the chairman to work with the current staff and see how it went.

“I have been pleased with what they have done and they have been a big help to me and I’ve no complaints about them at all.

“I’ve said to everybody – players and staff – that more will be expected next season because we have to do better, and everyone’s looking forward to the challenge.”

The supporters player of the year awards take place at Oteley Road tonight from 7.30pm. Admission is £5 for adults and £3 concessions to include a buffet.

* Former Derby and Manchester City left-winger Simpson showed he still retains his competitive edge on the pitch by proving the difference in the annual Shrewsbury Town staff versus Away Supporters match last night.

Simpson scored four times as the staff ran out 5-3 winners – including two in the final three minutes after the supporters had fought back from 3-0 down.

By James Garrison