Shrewsbury Town have shelved negotiations with their out-of-contract players as the Football League ponders introducing new wage regulations for next season.

The decision means Town risk losing players over the age of 24 whose deals expire in the summer – including skipper Ben Davies – for nothing under the Bosman Ruling.

“We are going to leave it until the end of the season and talk to the players then,” said manager Paul Simpson, who confirmed negotiations could be brought forward if the new wage regulations are agreed before the end of the campaign. 

He revealed there had been early discussions but the club had decided to wait until the new rules determining what they could spend on wages had been finalised.

“Nobody has decided how it is going to work, so until a decision has been made we are not going to do anything. 

“We are going to keep everyone waiting. The message to them all is it’s nothing against them. It’s a case of we don’t know what’s going to happen for next season. 

“They have got to show me they deserve to play for this football club with where I want to go with it, and we will also have an idea of where we are going to be as well at the end of the season.”

Alongside Davies, Darren Moss and Michael Symes would also be entitled to a Bosman, while defenders Kelvin Langmead, Neil Ashton and Ben Herd will all be affected as they are 23 now – but turn 24 before the end of June.

Town would be entitled to compensation for out-of-contract players who are aged 23 and under, which include Chris Humphrey and Steve Leslie.

“There is a big risk unfortunately but we will have to take that risk,” conceded Simpson.

“There is not a lot we can do about it. There are a couple of them over the Bosman age and some under it.

“The ones I want to keep, we will be offering contracts to but it’s just a case of them all having to be patient. 

“I have told them all that was the situation. 

“They all understand it. 

“I’m sure they wanted it sorted out sooner but waiting until the end of the season is not unusual at this level so they will just have to be patient and we will see what happens at the end of the season.”

By JAMES GARRISON