Gary Deegan to part Shrewsbury Town on good terms, says Paul Hurst

The Shrewsbury boss and his almost ever-present central midfielder conducted honest talks after the season ended, where it was revealed that the ex-Coventry man will be free to search for a future away from Greenhous Meadow.

Deegan featured 48 times for Town this season and was a regular feature for both Micky Mellon and Hurst in his debut season with Town.

But after talks, where Hurst laid bare his plans moving forward, it was agreed Deegan, who has a year on his contract still to run, could seek a move elsewhere.

“I’ve had a conversation with Deegs and told him my thoughts,” said Hurst. “It was a very pleasant conversation and we’ll see what the future holds – I’m open-minded with it.

“But if Deegs can find somewhere else that he thinks he’s suited better to after our conversation, then that’s what we’ll look at.

“I don’t know where he’ll be looking to move, even if I did I wouldn’t divulge that, because it’s not my place.”

Hurst didn’t totally rule out a future in blue and amber for the 29-year-old, who arrived from Southend last summer, but it looks increasingly unlikely.

Hurst, who has previously gone on record stating he is a fan of the midfielder’s passion, added: “I’m not going to say that he wouldn’t be a member of the squad here.

“Our conversation was along the lines of being honest and open, and he respected that. And I certainly respected him for his reaction to it.

“There’s no hard feelings, that’s for sure, people will probably suspect we’ve had a bust-up, fallen out and thrown things at each other but I can assure you that’s not the case.

“I like Deegs because he’s a man and true to his word, so there’s no fallout.”

While other Football League clubs have begun splashing the cash, Hurst is very aware that Town are playing the long-game as far as player negotiations go this summer.

He said: “It’s been, unfortunately for you guys in the press, very quiet. There’s nothing to report.

“Yes there’s been a lot of conversations, there are one or two offers out there but nothing is particularly imminent.

“I think, speaking to other managers, lots are in the same box.

“For the high percentage of us it’s a case of playing the game that I don’t think many of us enjoy.”