Shrewsbury Town captain hails ‘unbelievable’ defender amid transfer uncertainty

Shrewsbury Town captain Will Boyle has hailed Tom Anderson’s “unbelievable” handling of his uncertain future at the club.

Anderson, 33, was made available for transfer at the start of the summer, but no move materialised before the window shut.

The defender has fought his way back into Gavin Cowan’s side and impressed, despite Town’s difficult run of results. And Boyle has praised Anderson’s professionalism throughout the uncertainty.

Asked how he feels his fellow defender has handled the situation, the Salop skipper said: “Unbelievable. As a person, he’s a top person.

“He is the epitome and a brilliant example to like every young pro that we have, or every young pro up and down the country of how to conduct yourself - no matter what circumstance you find yourself in, at a football club.

“He’s been exemplary every day in training, and then we’ve called upon him in games. And I’m not surprised, but it’s not the norm anymore, that behaviour.

“To be able to still perform the way he has isn’t the norm anymore - although I’m not surprised with him because I’ve expected it from him - I can’t sort of praise him enough for it really.”

Anderson has partnered Boyle at the heart of Town’s defence, just as he did several times last season when he made 35 appearances in all competitions.

Cowan has also praised the 33-year-old’s approach despite being transfer listed, revealing Anderson was made available because Town have several similar central defenders on their books.

And despite the transfer window closing on Tuesday night, shortly after Anderson featured in the defeat at Rochdale, Cowan revealed the experienced defender could still potentially move on.

Boyle, meanwhile, says he has spoken to Anderson about the situation and believes there is a great deal of respect between the pair.

“On and off,” Boyle said. “He’s more experienced than me, he’s older than me - there’s a mutual respect between a lot of the senior lads.

“He’s been there and done it, he’s a proper bloke in my eyes, who doesn’t need me tickling his belly, anyone tickling his belly.

“We’re close, I really, really respect Ando as a player and a person. The way he’s conducted himself is an unbelievable example for players.”