Manager Discusses Whitbread, Gerrard And More
"It’s important that we got some closure on it."We’ve got Jermaine (Grandison) and young Dom (Smith) who are permanent fixtures here.
"I want to try and get young Dom going as well, so we want to go with three centre backs, and we’ve got Jermaine who can play there so we just felt that we had options there.
"It was just something we wanted to get closure on, and we wish Ant the very, very best for the future.
"I couldn’t show any more gratitude to him., he’s a terrific guy, I think there was a lot said about him before he came here about the type of character he was supposed to be but I would like to go on record and say he was the total polar opposite.
"He’s a great kid and we enjoyed having him."
On Gerrard's departure, Micky said:
“We’re delighted to finally get some closure on it, now that we know we are going to have Zak until at least the end of the season is fantastic.
"We all know how big a player he is for us so we’re really pleased that we got things done.
"We have had to work hard convincing him that this is the right place for him.
"Over time, since he’s been here, he’s really enjoyed his time and believes it’s a place where he wants to be to continue his football career.”
"He brings bags of experience. He’s technically a very good player with the football, tactically he knows the position inside out.
"He’s a good communicator with great experience, so he brings a great deal to the group." On keeping hold of Whitbread, Micky said:
Whitbread, however, has signed a short-term deal which will see him remain at Greenhous Meadow until the end of the season.
Gerrard now moves on after it was mutually agreed that his non-contract deal would be cancelled.
Both defenders have been regular features in the Shrewsbury Town defence this season.
Manager Micky Mellon is delighted to have Zak Whitbread on board until the end of the season and has wished Anthony Gerrard the very best for the future.