Mal Benning issues heartfelt message to Shrewsbury Town fans after final home appearance

Mal Benning expressed his gratitude to Shrewsbury Town’s supporters after making his final appearance at the Croud Meadow.

Benning came on as a second-half substitute during Town’s comeback draw with Fleetwood Town in their final home game of the season.

It marked the defender’s last outing in front of the Salop faithful after it was confirmed the 32-year-old will leave the club at the end of the campaign.

In a message to supporters, Benning said: “Thank you. Look, every player goes through ups and downs, especially in tough seasons.

“I can't thank them enough. The loyal ones have been there from day one.

“Obviously, ups and downs, losing and winning is part and parcel of football, but I think it's a great fan base, especially away, and at home when the place is buzzing.

“As you can see, the turnouts now since we've got a couple of results has been incredible.

“I just want to say a big thank you to all the fans and these past three years have been an absolute pleasure.”

Benning entered the pitch for the final time as a Shrewsbury player with Town two goals down, but helped inspire a comeback as Gavin Cowan’s side extended their unbeaten run to three matches.

The defender, who joined Salop in the summer of 2023, received warm applause from the home crowd at full-time.

“It would have been a bit of a downer to come on the pitch at the end with losing the game,” Benning added.

“We didn't win the game, so we can't get too elated, but it was a good comeback.

“That’s at least we deserved, we created a lot of chances towards the end. It was a goodbye to the Croud Meadow.”

Benning nearly marked his farewell with a goal, seeing a late effort drift narrowly past the post.

Josh Ruffels pulled one back for Town before Arsenal loanee Ismeal Kabia struck a stunning stoppage-time equaliser.

Benning praised the youngster, adding: “Unbelievable. I saw the keeper standing still and thought: ‘Yeah, that’s going in.’

“Kabia deserves that. I've been in a lot of squads where young lads have come in and loan and faded out after a bit.

“For him to come from Arsenal, play in numerous positions. I think he's class.

“He's been class all season, that's the least he deserves. So hopefully he goes on to bigger and brighter things, maybe even signing, I don't know.

“But he's been class and he deserved that great goal.”