Boss Paul Simpson hopes there will be no further interest in the club’s star striker Grant Holt after welcoming his reshaped Shrewsbury Town squad back for the start of pre-season training.
Simpson was delighted Town were able to reject an offer from League One side Colchester United for the man who struck 28 goals last season. He’s a big admirer of Holt, whom he signed for £170,000 last summer, with the Cumbrian a central figure in his plans as he aims to go one step better than last season’s promotion near miss.
“We’ve been adamant all along that we didn’t want to sell him,” said Simpson. “I kept Grant informed and spoke to him just after the offer had come in, and he basically said ‘if you don’t want to sell me, that’s fine, let’s get on with it and try and do what we want to do.’
“Colchester are the only club who have put an offer in. I had a couple of phone calls after that became public asking if we wanted to sell him, but I said no and nobody else has contacted me so hopefully it will stay that way.
“If Grant Holt was to be sold by the club, that would put a massive hole in the squad. I don’t know how you would replace him.
“It’s a problem I don’t want to have so I’m glad that it’s quietened down.”
Holt will be on the plane to Spain on Saturday as Town head to the Desert Springs complex for an arduous training camp in the sun, but he’s unlikely to be joined by either Ben Davies or Chris Humphrey who have still to commit their futures to the club.
Both are the subject of strong interest from elsewhere and wish to keep their options open, unlike Steve Leslie, Kelvin Langmead and Omer Riza who have penned new deals.
“Ben’s told me he owes it to himself to speak to a couple of League One clubs who are interested,” said Simpson. “I would be very surprised if he signs for us.
“I’ve explained to Chris that, while I totally respect what he’s doing, if he goes on a week to week contract, I can’t consider him for first team football at this moment in time. I’m still hopeful he’ll come to us.”
Simpson is hopeful of taking his number of summer signings to five in the next couple of days by bringing in an experienced goalkeeper.
He signed young keeper Andreas Arestidou, released by Blackburn, after previously swooping for Bristol Rovers midfielder Craig Disley, Brighton striker Jake Robinson and Falkirk defender Dean Holden, who is set to replace Darren Moss at right back after his switch to Morecambe.
“I like Mossy and I’m pleased he’s got himself sorted out but I’m happy with Dean Holden as a replacement,” said Simpson. He’s a quality footballer who can play in a number of positions. I saw him play right back when he was at Peterborough and that’s where I’m looking at him playing.”
On the arrival of ex-England youth keeper Arestidou, Simpson added: “I’ve seen him play through the Blackburn Academy system. He has potential and it’s important to have a young keeper at the club to hopefully back up two senior keepers.
“There’s a little bit of a concern over Glyn Garner’s shoulder at the moment and he’ll miss the first week or two of pre-season.”
Winger Marc Pugh, released from his contract, has quickly landed a new club after signing for Hereford United where his team-mates will include fellow new recruit Jamie Tolley, the ex-Town midfielder.
By Stuart Dunn
