Hibbert heads off to Peterborough

Top scorer Dave Hibbert today waved a fond farewell to Shrewsbury Town - revealing the chance of League One football was too good to resist.

Hibbert, who swept the board in Town's player-of-the-season awards, completed the formalities on a three-year contract at Peterborough late yesterday afternoon.

It brings to an end Hibbert's three-year-stay with the club, during which time he has scored 30 times in 86 starts in all competitions.

His most productive season proved to be his last with Hibbert's 15-goal return providing a glimmer of light in a below-par campaign.

And the striker — who is due to become a father for the first time this summer — has admitted he leaves Shrewsbury with a heavy heart.

Contract extension

"It was a tough decision because I've loved Shrewsbury and we have only recently moved to Market Drayton," said Hibbert, who had been offered a contract extension at Town.

"But it was too good an opportunity for me to turn down and the chance to play at the higher level was the decisive factor in the end.

"I have had a fantastic time at Shrewsbury. There are some great people there and it's just disappointing it didn't work out for us last season.

"The club will stay very close to my heart and I hope it gets success in the future."

Hibbert revealed uncertainty over the identity of the new manager at Shrewsbury played a factor in his thinking.

"I was given a deadline of last Friday for my contract offer from Peterborough so it would have been very difficult for me to sign a new contract at Shrewsbury without knowing who the new manager was," added the 24-year-old.

Hibbert's exit comes with Town continuing their hunt for a new boss.

Graham Turner, Paul Sturrock, Mark Venus and Jim Gannon have all been connected with the job.

Former Tottenham defender Justin Edinburgh, who guided Rushden & Diamonds to the Blue Square Premier play-offs, has also been linked in the national media.

Shrewsbury's Board revealed yesterday they have begun the process of drawing up a short list after receiving more than 40 applications.

By JAMES GARRISON