Shrewsbury Town defender to leave at the end of the season

Defender Mal Benning will leave Shrewsbury Town at the end of the season when his contract expires.

The 32-year-old is one of several players set to be out of contract this summer. After arriving from Port Vale in August 2023, Benning signed a new two-year deal the following summer.

Boss Gavin Cowan confirmed Benning will be included in the matchday squad for Town’s final home game of the season against Fleetwood Town and urged supporters to give him a fitting send-off.

“I've always been a very big fan of Mal's, I think he's an absolute class act,” he said.

“He has proven that since I came into the building. From sitting in the stands and watching him, I always felt like he carried himself really well.

“He’s a really good role model for the football club. When people conduct themselves like that, they're people you want around the place.

“I had a really frank conversation with him earlier about him being involved again. We managed to get him to his 500 appearances. But in doing that as well he's played a huge part in keeping the club in the league. He's been just an absolute class act.

“We had a conversation yesterday (Thursday) and he won't be with us next year, but we will be involving him in the squad.

“So I'd love the fans to come out and show their appreciation for, not just this year, but the seasons he's been with us, and some brilliant moments that we've had with him.”

Benning had been made available for transfer in January under former boss Michael Appleton, but remained at the club and returned to action under Cowan. He has since featured a further 12 times, bringing up his 500th career appearance.

The defender has not featured in three of Salop’s last four matches, having been an unused substitute against Oldham Athletic when Town secured safety.

“Everyone will, I'm sure, concur that he's an absolute class act and a real gentleman,” Cowan continued.

“(We’ve) loved having him around the place. He's got brilliant energy, an unbelievable trainer and a lot more to give.

“But just going into next year, he won't be with us. We're looking forward to him being involved in the group tomorrow. Hopefully, the fans can come out and really show their appreciation for what's been a brilliant pro for the football club.”

During his first season with Town, Benning made 46 appearances in all competitions, followed by 49 last season. He has featured 20 times in all competitions during the current campaign.