Gary Deegan heading for Shrewsbury Town exit
Gary Deegan looks set for a Shrewsbury Town exit this summer after being made available on a free transfer.
The Dubliner agreed a two-year deal last summer after arriving as part of Micky Mellon’s squad revamp and featured heavily under both the former boss and Paul Hurst.
Deegan made 48 appearances in blue and amber but looks set to be one of the players shipped out by Hurst as he goes about shaping his new-look squad.
The central midfielder, who arrived with a reputation of being a tough-tackling ball winner, was benched for the final two games of the season, with Hurst pointing to fatigue.
Hurst implied that there could be a number of contracted first-team players set for a Greenhous Meadow exit over the next few weeks.
A handful of the first-team squad barely featured under the boss, with defenders Adam El-Abd, Ryan McGivern and Olly Lancashire sampling precious little game-time.
Midfielder Jim O’Brien was shipped out on loan to Ross County in January, where he scored once – on debut – in 16 appearances.
But Deegan became a familiar name on the Town team-sheet, where he mostly featured alongside Abu Ogogo.
A number of League One and League Two clubs could move for 29-year-old Deegan, who has previously played for Coventry City, Northampton and Southend United.
Fellow central midfielder Bryn Morris is currently deciding as to whether he signs permanently at the Meadow after an eye-catching six month stint while Hurst is keen to target a midfield player comfortable in possession.
The former England youth skipper, 21, left a positive impression on boss Hurst with his attitude following a move from boyhood club Middlesbrough.
The Town chief is under no pressure to ship out members of his first-team squad before he begins to finalise Shrewsbury signings.
Hurst made eight signings in January and all played their part as Town completed their mission of securing League One survival.
But the ex-Grimsby boss knows that dramatic improvement is required and is keen to make additions in every area of the pitch.
Winger Shaun Whalley became the first to commit his future under Hurst after agreeing a new two-year deal last Friday.
Player-of-the-season Mat Sadler, goalkeeper Shaun Rowley and Morris are mulling over offers.
