Captain Graham Coughlan and midfielder Paul Murray today saw their Shrewsbury Town careers ended as the club released their retained list.

The two most experienced members of the Town squad were amongst five players released by the club.

Young player of the year Jake Simpson is also heading for the exit door, along with young duo Andreas Arestidou and Andre Gray.

Skipper Dave Hibbert has been offered a deal amid on-going interest from elsewhere, most notably from Peterborough, as have first-team regular Shane Cansdell-Sherriff and Kevin McIntyre.

Dutchman Benjamin van den Broek has done enough in his four months in English football to earn the offer of new terms, while youngster Harry Hooman has been offered the chance to continue his development.

An official statement read: “The club would like to place on record their thanks to the players for their effort and support in their time at the club.”

Limited

The futures of Coughlan and Murray, who have both spent two seasons at Shrewsbury, were in jeopardy after the pair were forced to settle for a substitute’s role during the final weeks of the season.

And the impressive form of Simpson, son of former boss Paul, throughout March and April hasn’t been enough to earn him another contract.

Gray, who has had spells on loan at AFC Telford and Hinckley this season, and Arestidou depart having made a limited impression on the first team stage.

Despite no manager yet being appointed to succeed Paul Simpson, vice chairman Keith Sayfritz insists talks over the retained list had been on-going over the last few weeks.

“We as a Board talk about the players we believe are vital for the club to go forward,” said Sayfritz.

“The chairman (Roland Wycherley) has spoken to the coaching staff for their thoughts and supporters can rest assured that if we believe those players have a future at Shrewsbury Town, then we will do all we can to make that happen.”

CONTRACTS OFFERED

• Harry Hooman
• Kevin McIntyre
• Shane Cansdell-Sherriff
• Benjamin van den Broek
• Dave Hibbert

RELEASED

• Graham Coughlan
• Paul Murray
• Jake Simpson
• Andreas Arestidou
• Andre Gray

By JAMES GARRISON