Contract countdown: The Shrewsbury Town players entering the final months of their deals
Just like that, the end of the football season is in sight - and several Shrewsbury Town players' contracts will expire.
It has been a remarkable revival under Gavin Cowan, with six wins from seven matches, and there may be players he is keen to keep or bring back during the summer rebuild.
Here are the Town players whose contracts are due to expire at the end of the season.
John Marquis
Joined Salop on a two‑year deal after leaving Bristol Rovers. Scored 12 goals in 43 appearances last season, and has added six in 36 games this campaign.
Mal Benning
Was made available for transfer in January under former boss Michael Appleton, but stayed and has since returned to action under Cowan, recently celebrating his 500th career appearance. Signed a two‑year extension in 2024.
Nick Freeman
Signed in January on a short‑term deal until the end of the season. Has featured in all but one of Salop’s matches under Cowan, scoring once.
Anthony Scully
Joined last summer on a one‑year contract, reuniting with Appleton, who he previously worked with at Lincoln City.
Injuries have disrupted his season, but he played in Cowan’s first five games and returned from a hamstring issue at Chesterfield last weekend.
Luca Hoole
Currently sidelined, but has impressed this season with 40 appearances.
Signed a two‑year deal in July 2024 after a compensation agreement with Bristol Rovers.
George Lloyd
Joined from Cheltenham Town in 2024 on a two‑year contract. Has made 37 appearances this season, scoring four goals, and has featured in every game under Cowan.
Played 49 times last season, scoring five.
Josh Ruffels
Signed last October, reuniting with Appleton after their time together at Oxford United. Extended his deal until the end of the season in January.
Has been a key part of Cowan’s defence, missing only the Chesterfield match due to suspension.
Taylor Perry
The former Wolves academy midfielder joined in 2023 after a trial. Made 47 appearances in his first season, scoring three times, and added another 37 appearances and three goals last year.
The club triggered an extension last summer. He has made 41 appearances this season, with two goals and two assists.
Loans
Salop currently have seven players on loan until the end of the season - Matt Cox, Iwan Morgan, Trey Ogunsuyi, Bradley Ihionvien, Temple Ojinnaka, Tommy McDermott and Ismeal Kabia.
Cox joined from Brentford and has impressed with crucial saves and strong command of his area.
The 22‑year‑old has started every game under Cowan, keeping three clean sheets. Reports suggest his form has attracted interest from across the EFL.
Fellow Brentford loanee Morgan has been equally impressive since arriving in January, scoring three goals and quickly becoming a fan favourite.
Ogunsuyi had to wait for his first start under Cowan, but seized his chance with a brace at Chesterfield last weekend.
Meanwhile, Ihionvien made a flying start with two goals in his first two appearances, but has been sidelined since October.
Wolves loanee Ojinnaka is yet to feature under Cowan. Played twice under Appleton and has been on the bench twice in recent weeks.
Tommy McDermott has played in every game under Cowan, making 35 appearances in total this season, netting three goals and providing two assists.
Arsenal loanee Kabia has also featured heavily, making 34 appearances, with two goals and two assists.