Paul Hurst puts new Shrewsbury Town deals on hold

Several members of Hurst's squad, including Mat Sadler, Abu Ogogo and Shaun Whalley, all see their two-year contracts come to an end this summer.

And Hurst, who is busy attempting to bolster his squad for the second half of the campaign, admitted that there is still more work for players to do.

"I'm looking at players coming into the club – I've got enough on my plate with regards to that," Hurst said.

"I am conscious, obviously, of some of them but realistically for me I'm still very much in the infancy of the job.

"No-one, even if they've been really good, has done enough yet to warrant getting another deal.

"Whether that's unusual for them that it gets sorted out later, I worked in an environment where it was left until the end of the season. I know that's not ideal for some lads – I get that – and pre-contracts can be signed elsewhere."

Hurst has been left frustrated in his bid for new additions this week, with one target moving elsewhere and another deal stalling.

Sadler and Ogogo have been mainstays of Hurst's teams since the boss was appointed in October.

Whalley, who has had a torrid time with injuries, is well-known and liked by the boss from his days in non-league.

Hurst added: "If anyone's in that position (out of contract), I would say that they know where my office is, come and see me and we'll have a chat.

"If I can give them the answer that they want then great. If I can't then they have to keep working hard for the group. It's about the group, not individuals.

"The best way to make sure you're at least offered a deal, so you've got a decision to make, is to work hard, play well and be a part of the squad."

Meanwhile, Town midfielder Ian Black will not be involved in tomorrow's clash at home to Bradford City.

The Scot also missed last week's trip to Swindon, with Hurst insisting it was for 'personal reasons'.