Departing full-back Neil Ashton today revealed his hurt at leaving Shrewsbury Town – but backed the club to push into League One and beyond.

The Scouser has been left facing up to an anxious summer after being one of seven players released by manager Paul Simpson in the wake of the play-off final defeat to Gillingham.

Ashton was Town’s second longest serving player behind Kelvin Langmead, and admitted he had clung to the hope that a fresh contract offer would be on the table.

“It’s been a very tough few days with losing at Wembley and then getting released,” he said.

“I thought I had a chance of a contract because I had played a big chunk of the second half of the season and helped with the excellent run which got the team to the play-offs.

“I thought I might have been given another year to try and help the club get out of League Two but it wasn’t to be.

“It’s bitterly disappointing because I had four good years with the club and loved my time there.

“But I’ve got total respect for the manager and hopefully he can strengthen in the areas he feels he has to and take the club forward.

“With the backing he will get from the chairman and the other directors, Shrewsbury will get out of League Two at some point and maybe push on further.”

Ashton, meanwhile, is preparing for a tense summer as he bids to secure a new club. “It’s the first time I’ve been in a position of not having a club and it’s not nice,’ he added.

“There will be a bit of panic until I’ve got something signed so hopefully that will be sooner rather than later.

“I want to stay in the Football League because there are not many players who go down to Blue Square Premier and then come back.”

• Shrewsbury will meet League One champions Leicester City in a friendly at the Prostar Stadium on Saturday, July 25.
  

By JAMES GARRISON