Shrewsbury Town in no hurry for contract talks
Shrewsbury boss Paul Hurst is happy to leave contract talks until the end of the season.
A number of Town's first-team squad, including skipper Abu Ogogo, winger Alex Rodman, injured left-back Junior Brown and goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray see their contracts finish this summer.
Hurst admitted that Town's unlikely fight for promotion is a factor in delaying the renewal of deals. He also referenced other reasons, including players' personal circumstances, but said it was crucial that the club's position comes first.
Other senior players with contracts running to an end are Shaun Rowley, Joe Riley, AJ Leitch-Smith, Arthur Gnahoua and Lenell John-Lewis. The latter pair both have the option of extending their Montgomery Waters Meadow stays by a further year.
"In my head it's for the end of the season," said Hurst. "We don't know where we're going to be, realistically.
"A lot of the conversations we've been talking about the possibility of moving up a league.
"(I don't know) How likely that is – but it's there. There is an element that we've got to be careful in terms of planning and looking at players, seeing where we are at the end of the season.
"I've got an idea, obviously, about some of them.
"Also what comes into the situation is their thoughts as well.
"I'm aware of it but at the same time it's not pressing for me in the slightest."
The Town boss was in a similar position last season as he attempted to guide the team away from the drop to League Two.
An option in Ogogo's contract was triggered for an extra year last April, while others – such as Shaun Whalley and Mat Sadler – did not sign fresh terms until after the season finished in May.
Hurst is relaxed about the situation and in no rush to have conversations about contracts.
"I understand as a player it's slightly different, but my concern is the football club.
"We try and give each individual some care and attention but at the same time it's the football club that counts the most – it's more important than me and the players.
"Certainly at the minute I've got no intention of really having any meaningful conversations with too many of the players."
