Shropshire Star

Jayson Leutwiler sad at Shrewsbury Town departure

Jayson Leutwiler has admitted his sadness at departing Shrewsbury Town for Blackburn Rovers – but tipped his former club for success under Paul Hurst.

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The popular Canada international ended his three-year spell at Shrewsbury yesterday after sealing a move to League One rivals Rovers for an undisclosed fee.

After signing a two-year deal at Ewood Park, Town’s former No.1 – who was told he was surplus to requirements by Hurst at the end of last season – spoke of his sorrow at leaving the club and town.

“There are so many memories. It’s a sad point for me to leave the club and the town because I made many friends,” said Leutwiler.

“We really liked the town of Shrewsbury so it was sad but at the same time we knew it was a time in my career that would come. Maybe I had the special relationship because I was the player that was there the longest!

“When I played for Shrewsbury I was living in the town. I met so many fans in the town and many people I knew were Shrewsbury fans.

“Many people stop you and speak with you. It’s enjoyable to have a discussion and that close relationship with fans, it helped me a lot.”

Leutwiler had an offer from League One new-boys Blackpool as well as a chance to go back to Switzerland with top-flight side Grasshoppers Zurich – but said he wasn’t ready to return.

The 28-year-old – who won promotion in his debut season with the club, collecting a clean sheet record – made 49 appearances for Town last term. Despite not finding himself in Hurst’s plans for the upcoming season, Leutwiler reserved praise for the respect that the boss had showed.

He added: “I haven’t had chance to tell Paul ‘thank you’ for the kind words he said.

“He has been good for me and when he made his decision at the end of the season that he preferred me to go another way, we had good talks, they were very nice.

“I think he can be very successful with Shrewsbury. What’s happening with the club now, and fans don’t see, is the move to the training ground and the team is being more together.

“They’re all things that don’t seem to be very important but I can assure you are very important for the club to be successful.

“I believe that the training ground will be a massive push for the club and the team to grow with a good spirit.”

The Swiss-born shot-stopper will return to the Montgomery Waters Meadow on September 23 with Rovers.

Meanwhile, fellow keeper Shaun Rowley, 20, is on the verge of sealing a loan to non-league Tamworth FC.