Hands off our young stars warns Micky Mellon
Micky Mellon maintains Shrewsbury Town are no 'breeding ground' for clubs to pick off their young stars after Callum Burton was linked with a host of clubs.
Young goalkeeper Burton is being eyed by Aston Villa, Wolves, Rangers and Burnley, according to reports.
The 19-year-old – out of contract this summer and yet to make his debut – has attended an England training camp and has been described by fellow Town shot-stopper Mark Halstead as the best young keeper he has seen.
"There are no plans to get rid of him and nothing's happened," said Mellon. "It's just something that happens at Shrewsbury, so I'm not surprised or flattered by it.
"But I'm keen for fans to know we're not a breeding club for everyone. We're trying to build a team to be proud of."
Town sold Connor Goldson, Ryan Woods and young homegrown keeper Harry Lewis for big money this season but Mellon wants to build a team for 'keeps'. "It's hard because some move quicker than us, such as Goldson and Woods," he said.
"They very quickly become Championship standard and we're not. So they have to go.
"Look at Goldson now. He's the biggest snip of the year – unbelievable. But he knows how to get the best out of himself as all the players are educated in that here.
"All things being fair, we'd never stand in their way and he (Burton) will be no different."
But boss Mellon believes Burton is in the best place to learn.
"He's with Danny (Coyne, goalkeeping coach) and look at the goalkeepers he's churning out here," said the boss.
"If I was a young keeper, I'd look at the club. And if the coach wasn't better than Danny Coyne, I'd be wondering if I was going to improve as much as I would under Danny."
Lewis, the grandson of Town goalkeeping legend Ken Mulhearn, left Shrewsbury's academy for Southampton.
"Harry felt it was best for him," said Mellon. "But we'll continue to have an environment where it's all about players getting the most out of themselves."
