Paul Hurst holds talks with Shrewsbury Town squad
Shrewsbury boss Paul Hurst has concluded 'honest' chats with Town's contracted players as they seek clarity on their futures.
Several members of the first-team squad still have another year remaining on their Greenhous Meadow deals and a number have barely featured since Hurst's October appointment.
The boss revealed that frank talks have taken place with those players, who appreciated Hurst's honesty in the matter and will be given as much time as possible to sort their futures, if they are elsewhere.
A number of Micky Mellon's signings from last summer, including defenders Olly Lancashire, Ryan McGivern, Adam El-Abd and midfielder Jim O'Brien have played precious little football under Hurst – with the latter shipped out on loan to Scotland.
And Hurst admitted that the quantity of players he can target will depend on how many depart the Meadow this summer.
He said: "It can be seen two ways. If all I've spoken to decide they're going to stay, then I can't bring as many in as I'd like.
"At the same time, it is with the thought of them as well. In certain situations I could've signed someone first and forced them out that way.
"I've spoke to quite a few players and told them my thoughts. it's difficult because some of those could almost be seen as a waste of time, nothing's concluded or set in stone.
"The general feeling from the lads I've spoken to was that they appreciate me being honest with what I'm thinking.
"If they are to find somewhere else, it gives them the longest time possible to do that, rather than waiting till August and then it's either a loan or clubs filling their squads. Now everyone will be looking to build for next season."
While a number of players have tasted little match action, Hurst praised their attitude in and around the Town training ground.
"I haven't got a bad word to say about any of them, clearly it hasn't worked for some of them," added the boss. "The ones on the outside are the ones that can determine how well you do, certainly with atmosphere around the place, which I rank very highly.
"They've been good as gold. We haven't had any silly people, they've come in, done the work and got on with it."
