“Fantastic servant” - Mal Benning praised after final Shrewsbury Town home outing

Gavin Cowan heaped praise on “fantastic servant” Mal Benning after the defender made his final home appearance for Shrewsbury Town.

Benning came on in the second half against Fleetwood Town after it was confirmed he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The defender had been made available for transfer during the January window following limited game time under the previous regime. However, he returned to action under Cowan, with his appearance marking his 13th under the current Town boss.

“I've said it since day one - the guy is an absolute class act,” said Cowan.

“The way he's conducted himself this week. I only spoke to him on Thursday and just notified him about how we were going to go, and what we were going to do.

“I think there was such humility to be able to take it with such grace. He was very thankful for coming in out of the cold, he's achieved his 500 appearances.

“But for him to come on and do that - I asked him just to be present and take it all in.

“But to perform like the way he did, it’s got us questioning our decision a little bit.

“He was excellent. I'm so pleased to have worked with him. He's been a fantastic servant to this football club.

“What we ask of them is to turn up on time, try their best and conduct themselves in the right way. He's the epitome of that, a real leader in his own way.”

Cowan informed Benning last Thursday that he would not be part of the club’s plans moving forward as they prepare for a summer rebuild.

Benning is one of several Salop players out of contract this summer, meaning he is unlikely to be the only one to have made his final appearance at the Croud Meadow in blue and amber.

The full-back made a lively impact from the bench, delivering several inviting crosses and helping Town fight back from two goals down to earn a point.

Saturday’s appearance was his 116th in all competitions for the club since joining from Port Vale in August 2023.

The 32-year-old recently reached 500 career appearances and said he hopes the milestone can inspire the next generation within the South Asian community.

Benning has been heavily involved in initiatives aimed at addressing the under-representation of South Asian players in English football.