The club is disappointed to announce that Grant Holt has opted to join Norwich City. 　

"We have made it clear all along that we are not a selling club and had turned down significant bids, but the situation changes dramatically when a player's agent calls our manager and says the player doesn't want to spend another season in League 2," explains Club Chairman Roland Wycherley.　

"Like most fans I would have liked to have seen Grant here, playing with passion for our Club again next season, but when he has expressed his wish to move to a higher league, then we have to thank him for what he has done, wish him well for the future and look to what is right for Shrewsbury Town.

"These are tough times in football, with fantasy spending in some quarters and other clubs looking like they could go to the wall. If a player has an opportunity to progress to a higher level then we have to consider it but only if the deal suits Shrewsbury Town. I feel I have done that and, while sad Grant is leaving, I'm confident that this is an extremely favourable deal for the Club, greatly above what was invested to bring him here, so we have made the very best of the situation.

"It comes as no surprise that Grant is coveted by higher league clubs and it just shows what good business was done getting him here. The Board will continue to support Paul Simpson's work to develop a balanced team. It is perhaps unfortunate to be in this position at this point in the season, but that's football and we must remind ourselves that there are a great many Clubs that would love to have done business like this."

For Paul Simpson's thoughts on the news watch the interview with him on ShrewsWorld or for free on the Shrewsbury Town Freeplayer - click play on the player box on the right of the website. Interview on Freeplayer from 4:25pm