Ignore all the hype, Graham Turner urges Ryan Woods
Shrewsbury Town prospect Ryan Woods was today told to concentrate on his football after speculation linking him with Premier League clubs.
A report this week said the versatile 19-year-old had been targeted by scouts from top-flight teams and suggested he could be the subject of a bid in January.
But Town boss Graham Turner has told Woods – who is under contract for another 19 months – to let his football do the talking.
"Ryan's got a lot of potential; he's a very good prospect and has a great attitude – but what he needs to do is concentrate on his football," said Turner.
"It's amazing that there's suddenly a bit of publicity linking him with other clubs to coincide with him having a new agent. If there are clubs out there interested, let them pick the phone up to me."
Turner rested Woods in last week's 3-1 defeat at Port Vale but hinted he could be back in contention for today's visit of Notts County.
"Very often young players need to have a breather before going back in again," said the boss. "There's a possibility he'll be playing this weekend or on Tuesday."
Meanwhile, Turner said the arrival of one or two players could allow some fringe men to leave before the loan window shuts on Thursday.
"We haven't ruled out anyone coming in, and in that case, there might be one or two who might go out," he said.
Turner celebrated 35 years in management this week and targeted three points today as the perfect present.