Anthony Parker the latest to depart from champs Shrewsbury

Experienced Shropshire wicketkeeper Parker has decided the time is right to return to Broseley, the club where he started his career.

He becomes the latest high-profile departure from London Road, but Foster is optimistic the balance will start to be addressed.

Herefordshire batsman Ben Stebbings is the only new close season arrival so far and Foster said: "It's five out and one in – but hopefully a couple more will be coming in shortly."

Steve Barnard, Tom Cox and Alex Blofield, all now based in London, will be playing their club cricket in the capital for Shepherd's Bush while new Shropshire captain Steve Leach has opted to join lower division Shifnal.

Parker, a regular for Shropshire many years who also briefly captained the county, spent three years at London Road after making the switch from Shifnal and helped Shrewsbury win two Premier Division titles.

Foster said the county towners had enjoyed having Parker in the side, but added he understood the player's reasons for wanting to head back to Broseley where he will combine playing in the Shropshire County League with helping to look after the club's ground.

Parker's job as a groundsman at Wolves affected his availability for Shrewsbury at times last season, but he still made a useful contribution to their latest title triumph.

"He's been a big player for us," said Foster. "It's always disappointing to lose a player of his quality as he's an excellent wicketkeeper and a destructive batsman.

"They were the club where he grew up and his brother also still plays there. We certainly wish him all the best at Broseley."