James Bolton has turned down his new contract offer from Town and will now move on.
Bolts was offered a new improved deal with Town towards the end of January but decided to wait until the end of the season before deciding. After taking his time to talk to other clubs and weigh up his options he has decided his future lies away from the club.
Shrewsbury Town manager Sam Ricketts is disappointed to see Bolts go but understands his decision.
“Bolt’s is a great lad, a great character and has been great since I’ve come to the club”, said Sam.
“We tried very early on to offer him a new deal and spoke again little while a go.
“He wanted to see out the season and then see what was available for him.
“He felt that at his age he’d be able to get a contract but also may get the chance to further his career elsewhere.
“Unfortunately he chosen to do that and got himself a move to one of the biggest sides in the league.
“He deserves the chance and we wish him well for the future.”
Town are a financially well-run club and although there is a decent budget for Sam he knows that he needs to keep within that budget.
“One real big thing for our club is that you can’t be frivolous with the money and we work within our means”, said Sam.
“You see a lot of clubs struggling financially but we don’t as we are prudently run very, very well.
“We are happy to work within those means.
“We now wish Bolts well and look to recruit new players into that position.”
Bolts joined Town from National League side Gateshead in July 2017. He’s gone on to make nearly 90 appearances in all competitions for Town and has become a favourite amongst the crowd. His move shows the progression path is there at Shrewsbury for players to step up from non-league and establish themselves as league players.
“Bolt’s is another player who has come to the club and pushed on to earn a better deal elsewhere”, said Sam.
”Unfortunately due to his age he’s left on a free but his attitude and commitment were first class to the end of the season.”