Transfer-listed Shrewsbury Town defender could still leave after deadline

Transfer-listed defender Tom Anderson could still “potentially” leave Shrewsbury Town despite the EFL transfer window closing.

Anderson was made available for transfer at the start of the summer, but a move failed to materialise, with the defender returning to the fold and featuring in Town’s defeat at Rochdale shortly before the window slammed shut.

But boss Gavin Cowan has suggested Anderson could still depart, with a move into non-league remaining a possibility now the EFL window has closed.

He told the Shropshire Star: “I’ve inherited players - the situation with the central defenders is I’ve inherited three of the same.

“So it’s harsh on Ando because he’s a brilliant man and he’s a brilliant player. But I have to get the balance of the squad right.

“So, yes, he still potentially may go. But while he’s here, he’s a top player, he won the league 15 months ago, so I have to utilise him.”

Should Anderson depart, it could provide Town with useful funds while also freeing up space on the wage bill that could potentially be used to bring in another player, with the free-agent market still available.

Anderson was one of four players transfer-listed by Shrewsbury at the start of the summer.

Ricardo Dinanga and Callum Stewart have both since made loan moves away from the Croud Meadow, while Sam Clucas left after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with the club. He has since been on trial with League One side Bradford City.

Anderson signed a two-year deal when he arrived in Shropshire last summer. He made 35 appearances in blue and amber across all competitions last season, including 28 in League Two.

The defender came on as a second-half substitute in Shrewsbury’s heavy EFL Cup defeat at Fleetwood Town last week before starting their past two League Two games, including the midweek defeat at Rochdale.