Gaffer keen to freshen his squad up for next season
Shrewsbury Town Boss Paul Hurst has confirmed that he will be looking to freshen up the squad ahead of the 2017/18 League One season.Hurst offered new contracts to four players yesterday, whilst another four won’t have their contracts renewed at the end of June.
However, that still leaves 15 players under contract for next season and Paul admits that he will be looking for some of those to move on in order to put his own stamp on things.
“I’ve spoken to quite a few players and told them my thoughts”, Hurst told ShrewsWeb.
“It’s difficult because some of those conversations could be seen as a bit of a waste of time because nothing’s concluded and nothing’s certainly set in stone.
“I think the general feeling from the lads that I’ve spoken to was that they appreciated me being honest with what I’m thinking and if they are to find somewhere else, it gives them the longest time possible to try and achieve that.
“At least now, realistically, everyone will be looking to build a squad for next season, so we will see how those situations pan out, but it’s going to be a case of waiting to see how the summer progresses.”
With over three months to go before the start of next season, Paul hopes he has given the players as much time as possible to find new clubs.
“It works both ways”, Paul continued.
“If all of those players that I have spoken to decide they are going to stay then that will mean that we can’t bring in as many players as I like, but at the same time it is also with a thought of them as well.
“In certain situations I could 100% sign someone first and then try and force them out that way, but that’s not what I am trying to do.
“I am trying to be open and give them the best chance because they can all go on and continue the careers that they are having. It just depends on if everything fits financially and logistically as to whether they move on or not.”
Some of Paul Hurst’s squad haven’t seen much game time in recent months, but Paul was quick to praise them for their attitude during the fight against relegation.
“I genuinely haven’t got a bad word to say about any of them”, said Hurst.
“Whether or not it’s worked, and clearly it hasn’t for some of them in terms of me selecting them, but I’ve spoken in the past about the group and the ones that are on the outside can often determine how well you do and they’ve been good as gold.
“We haven’t had any silly people acting as professionals. They’ve come in, they’ve done their work and they’ve got on with it. There’s been some disappointment at times, but they’ve worked hard and certainly not split from the group.”