John Marquis reveals where he stands on potential Shrewsbury Town stay

John Marquis says he is open to staying at Shrewsbury Town beyond this season when his current deal expires.

The 33-year-old’s two-year contract runs out at the end of the campaign, but the striker has laid his cards on the table, admitting he would be willing to stay on.

Town’s top scorer with six goals, has recently returned to action following a spell out with a knee injury, featuring in the past three games.

Asked if he is open to remaining beyond his current deal, Marquis said: “Yes, definitely. Football is a funny game, it can change very quickly.

“The landscape of football, of people moving quite regularly happens. That's something that I've been used to and aware of.

“But I still feel like I have a massive part to play, be it at Shrewsbury, or be it somewhere else.

“I'm still loving playing football. I love seeing players get better.

“When you get a bit older, you take a bit more pride in other parts of the game. As much as I am obviously really focused on my own performances, I love the element of helping the younger players and giving them experiences.

“We've had a lot of loan lads that have come in this season. For someone who's played as many games as me and been at as many clubs as me…the amount of learning and valuable information I've learnt from all of that, I feel like I've got a part to pass that on.

“I feel like I've been able to help them in some way, realising what it's like to be a Football League player. I've enjoyed it. For next season, I'm just going to have to see what happens.”

Marquis is one of seven Salop players whose contracts expire this summer. The forward signed a two-year deal in July 2024 and scored 12 goals in 43 appearances during his first season.

Marquis arrived in Shropshire following his release from Bristol Rovers, where he scored 13 goals in 71 league appearances, including one against Town in September 2023.

Shrewsbury boss Gavin Cowan praised Marquis as “outstanding” after his first start since returning from injury in last weekend’s win over Tranmere Rovers.

Asked whether he has spoken to Cowan about his future, Marquis added: “No, to be honest. For me at my age and off the pitch with my family etc, all living up here. It's a conversation that will probably happen later towards the end of the season.

“I spoke to the manager when he first came in. For me personally, my first aim was to make sure that Shrewsbury Town was safe. I wanted to make sure that the club was in League Two next season. Then my personal situation will look after itself.

“Although it's not been a prolific season for me, I did play the first six months of the season in a bit of a deeper position. I haven't probably been able to get the goals that I would have liked.

“However, I feel like my performances have been at a decent level on a whole, probably a bit slower in this first half of the season.

“The way that the manager wants to play and how he sets up his teams, I think really suits me. It's the next four games that are important, not just for me personally, but for the club.

“I want to be able to show the reasons why I think I should be here next season.”