Luke's like Rodgers is leaving Town

Last updated : 20 April 2005 By Matthew Gamble
Luke scores for Town
Luke, in scoring form for the Town
The club have revealed that Rodgers was offered a contract several weeks ago, but has yet to accept it.

And Manager Gary Peters said he felt Rodgers would move on. Speaking to Town's official website, he said: "Luke feels the time is right to leave the club and so hasn't accepted the contract and will look to get fixed up with a new club in the summer."

But it has also emerged that the pint-sized striker has not slammed the door on Town. He told the Shropshire Star: "The door is not totally shut. The club have offered me a contract and it's just a case of me keeping my options open."

It has been a disappointing season for Rodgers, scoring only eight goals and going without a goal for 18 games as Town fought relegation.

It was in sharp contrast to earlier campaigns, where he had troubled defences across the land, scoring 57 times in the previous three seasons.

These stats have left Rodgers under no illusions as to where his future lies: "I am ambitious. I believe I can play at a higher level and it's a short career," he told the Star.

If (or more likely, when) Rodgers does leave, Town will receive compensation, on account of the player being under 24 years old and being a product of Town's youth system.

Boss Peters has also confirmed that Town's final game of the season against Scunthorpe will be pencilled in as Rodgers' swansong.