Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Hurst keen to keep duo
Shrewsbury Town will seek to tie down out-of-contract duo Mat Sadler and Shaun Whalley as boss Paul Hurst prepares for a busy summer in the transfer market.
Hurst plans to sit down with several players next week to thrash out their futures, with the manager anticipating plenty of movement during the summer transfer window as he looks to further reshape his squad.
Winger Whalley and defender Sadler have been key players during the second half of the season as Town have staged what, barring a miraculous set of results on the final day of the season, will be a successful escape from relegation. And both will be made offers to remain at Greenhous Meadow next term.
"I have had tentative chats with both of them and their representatives," said Hurst. "That will be picked up again after the game on Sunday, in which they will both be involved. At the moment, I want them to focus on that.
"I think they know what I think of them, to a degree. There are lots of things to consider, whether it is family or purely financial, or interest from elsewhere. But I think they know what I think about both of them as players and people."
Hurst also intends to hold talks with several players who remain contracted to Town next season but who have fallen out-of-favour since his arrival from Grimsby Town in November.
They include defensive duo Olly Lancashire and Ryan McGivern, who were signed by Hurst's predecessor Micky Mellon but who have not been included in recent matchday squads.
"We will be having discussions to see what those players want to do," said Hurst.
"They are contracted and if they want to stay here then they are within their rights. I think it will depend on how those conversations go.
"They might want to know what my plans are. It is a fresh start for some? Do I see it playing out as it has done?
"We will see if we can come to the right decision moving forward for everyone – whether that is staying or moving on to another club."
Shrewsbury need only a point from tomorrow's game at Oxford to preserve their League One status.
Hurst added: "The summer gives us an opportunity to get a squad we would be happy with overall. We want to be competitive next season."
