The coaching team of former manager Paul Simpson have followed their old boss through the Shrewsbury Town exit door.

First team coach Stuart Delaney and goalkeeping coach Dave Timmins have both left the club, having been told their services will no longer be required at the Prostar Stadium.

The news comes as speculation grows that leading scorer Dave Hibbert could be on the brink of signing for Peterborough, just relegated to League One.

It is understood Hibbert, scorer of 15 goals for Town last season, is mulling over a three-year off from the London Road club, who now have Gary Johnson in charge.

Coaches Delaney and Timmins were informed of their departures at a meeting at the yesterday.

Delaney was originally placed in caretaker charge after Simpson’s exit, but both he and Timmins were not involved in the management structure for Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Port Vale.

A club statement issued today said: “Following the departure of manager Paul Simpson, first team coach Stuart Delaney and goalkeeping coach Dave Timmins have also left the club.

“The club wishes to place on record its thanks to them both for all their hard work and wishes them every success in the future.”

It means Delaney, who was brought to the club by Gary Peters, has seen his five-year stint at Shrewsbury ended — but he today insisted there was no bitterness towards his former employees.

“I’ve had five very good years and it’s a great club to work for,” he said.

“There is a great infrastructure in place and I wish the new manager all the best for the future. Of course, I’m disappointed — but that’s the way football goes.

“A new manager comes in and often wants to bring his own backroom team in.

“But I’ve learned an awful lot over the last few years which I thank the club for – I’m definitely looking to stay in League football.”

Shrewsbury have attracted Championship opposition for the first pre-season friendly announced.

They will entertain Coventry, also currently managerless, on Tuesday, July 27, at 7.45pm.

By JAMES GARRISON