Alex Rodman turns down a new deal with the club
Shrewsbury Town can confirm that Alex Rodman has turned down a new deal with the club.
Rodman was offered an improved two-year deal to stay at the Montgomery Waters Meadow, but has decided to look at his options elsewhere.
The 31-year-old made 75 appearances in all competitions after signing from Notts County, scoring 10 goals.
Town boss John Askey was disappointed not to secure his signature, but will now look at other targets.
“I’m a little bit disappointed, I thought that he’d probably sign, but I think he’s had quite a few offers from different clubs, so we’ve just got to move on”, John told ShrewsWeb.
“We’ve got other targets. We knew that there was a possibility that he would be going, so it’s just about looking to bring another body.
“I thought he would stay because he’s enjoyed his time here, but obviously when other clubs come calling, and at the stage in his career, then that has an effect on his decision.”
Rodman’s departure means that they are a player short in the wide areas, but John believes there are players that can step up and make their mark.
“It’s one position where we have got quite a few that can play in that position, so it’s not something that I’m too concerned about”, Askey said.
“We’ve got Arthur, we’ve got Eisa, we’ve got Fejiri who can all play there, I’ve even seen Stefan Payne play there, so it’s not a position that we haven’t got bodies for.
“We are looking to strengthen all over. I think defensively we are okay, apart from the goalkeeping position, but we are still looking and it’s just a matter of time before we start to land, especially with clubs now going back into training.”
Askey admits that it’s been disappointing that players have moved on, but believes it allows him to put his own stamp on things.
“I think that’s football now, especially with Shrewsbury doing so well last year”, said John.
“It put a lot of them in them in the shop window and other clubs obviously want them, who’ve got bigger budgets, but that’s football and with most squads it seems to be changing all the time.
“It’s something I’m used to and what we don’t want to do is panic. We’re not even in July yet, so it’s something we’ve got to be patient with and we’ve got to make sure that the people we get in are the right people.
“Last season’s gone and I’m going to be a different type of manager than there was previously. I still want the same results, but it enables me to get the people in that I think will suit the way we want to play.”
The club would like to wish Alex all the best for the future and thank him for his hard work and dedication.