Dave Edwards: Shrewsbury Town facing a huge summer

The Montgomery Waters Meadow outfit head into boss Steve Cotterill's first summer at the club with more than a dozen first-team professionals out of contract.

Cotterill, who will not address current players' future until after the final ball is kicked on May 9, is likely to want to put his stamp on a squad largely made up of signings from the previous management.

Edwards, who is one of those out of contract and this week opened the door on extending his career having strongly hinted at retirement, feels the club are in the best hands possible with Cotterill.

"It's huge, it's a pivotal summer, probably the most pivotal in the last couple of decades, you would say, when you look at everything and what's happened in the wider circles of football," said midfielder Edwards, 35.

"It's important, I think we've definitely got the right man in charge, I've got so much respect for the manager, even more respect with what he's gone through and how he's been able to apply himself to make the team better.

"And hopefully the club will back him, within obviously the restraints they can do.

"It's almost like a fresh slate for him, he's got so many lads out of contract. It's obviously not nice for players to be out of contract but it's a good thing for this football club at the moment.

"I think it's the right scenario to be in and refreshing for the club to almost be able to start again and that's what the club is doing."

A high summer turnover of players in not unusual for Shrewsbury, but with Cotterill carrying ambition into next season and the club looking to support him, it stands to be an active and exciting period for the club.

Town are not alone in their position. With little movement in the market last summer, chiefly due to the pandemic, most if not all clubs in League One are in a situation where large number of players see deals end.

It is likely to be a transfer window where free agent could rule the market.

Edwards added: "I'm sure the manager will get it right. His knowledge of this league is very, very good. He knows what he needs to be successful, there's no reason why this club can't go and compete in the Championship.

"I fully expect a positive season next year and for this club to keep building and definitely be at the top end of the table."