Shrewsbury Town fitness coach Andy Hodgen moves on

Preston-based Hodgen had been with the club since June 2014 and was key to the side that promotion from League Two that year.

But with travelling an issue, the popular fitness coach has opted to make a move closer to his Lancashire home.

Town are now keen to fill the full-time role with an appointment within the next two weeks.

Boss Paul Hurst said: “He’s got the opportunity to go and work at a football club nearer to home"

“Ultimately, it fits because of the relationship he has with the club and logistically, whereas here it was becoming difficult for him because of the travelling.

“He’s worked extremely hard from when I first came in. He made me feel extremely welcome and I can remember him driving us round the area and all of that.

“He’s a popular member of staff and we are sorry to see him go, but at the same time I see the reasons why he has and genuinely wish him all the best."

Hurst added praise to the individuals helping physio Chris Skitt - including former Town midfield man Elliot Turner.

“At the minute we’ve got a couple of lads helping that have been working closely with Skitty and have done extremely well," the boss added.

“We are looking to replace Andy with a full-time member of staff, which will probably occur over the next couple of weeks because we do need someone in his place, but in the meantime the lads helping out are doing a great job for us.”