‘Couldn’t tell you’ - Defender’s Shrewsbury Town future remains in the balance

Tom Anderson’s future at Shrewsbury Town remains in the balance after he made a commanding first start of the season.

Boss Gavin Cowan admitted he does not know where the 32-year-old’s future lies after the transfer-listed defender helped Town to victory over Salford City.

Anderson was made available for a move earlier this summer, but with a transfer yet to materialise, he has now featured in consecutive games.

Asked if Anderson was now expected to stay at Salop, Cowan said: “I don’t know. I honestly couldn’t tell you.

“Obviously, he’s been brilliant today, but outside of that, I don’t know. It’s one I’m not in control of.”

Cowan has repeatedly praised Anderson’s attitude and ‘professionalism’ since he was made available for a move elsewhere this summer.

The Town boss has also previously admitted he would like to keep hold of the defender, but said the need for greater balance in his squad, coupled with the defensive options available to him, meant Anderson had been made available for transfer.

But while Anderson remains at the club, Cowan sees no reason not to use him.

“I have to reiterate that Tom Anderson is a fantastic player,” he added.

“If we were in need of a centre-half and we wanted to recruit one, it would be him.

“But we inherit certain recruitment and we have to look at it ourselves and say, ‘Look what’s going to work? How are we going to balance the squad out?’

“I spoke a lot last year about us being bloated and imbalanced and we have to balance that.

“What I will say is having conversations with him and saying ‘we’re going to need you to move on and do all the above’, he’s got no obligation to do that and while he’s been in the building, he’s been an absolute class act.

“He’s a proper man. He’s experienced at this level. Today was meat and drink for him and it doesn’t surprise me, that’s why I’ve got no problem putting him in there.”