Holt leaves Shrewsbury Town

Record signing and last season's top scorer Grant Holt this afternoon left Shrewsbury Town.

Two days of constant speculation linking Holt with a move to Norwich ended when Town chairman Roland Wycherley confirmed that Holt had moved to the Canaries.

The 29-year-old scored 28 times for Shrewsbury since moving from Nottingham Forest last summer for £170,000.

• Holt in pictures - click here

No fee has been revealed by Shrewsbury for the forward's switch to the League One club, but it is understood to be in the region of £450,000.

Chairman Roland Wycherley said: "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 Two.

"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.

"The Board will continue to support Paul Simpson's work to develop a balanced team."

• For the full story and reactions see tomorrow's Shropshire Star