Peters prepares to prune

Last updated : 07 January 2005 By Matthew Gamble
Boss Gary Peters has paved the way for Duane Darby, Kevin Street and Trevor Challis to leave the club.

Peters is keen to stamp his authority on the playing staff, and the trio have suffered a combination of injuries and poor form this season.

Darby scored 14 goals last season in Town's promotion push, and Street and Challis were key members of Jimmy Quinn's side.

Peters cited the age of the players as the main reason for his decision to circulate the players' names. Peters told ShrewsWeb: "When you're an experienced player at a football club and you're not getting a game it is a bit unfair on you."

He added: "You only get so long to play football in this life and if you're around the 30-years of age mark and not playing in the first team, then I think all managers should help those lads to play first team football."

There has been interest from Conference clubs in Challis and Street, and Darby is trying to find himself a club after being leapfrogged in the striker race by John Grant. Challis has found himself phased out since the capture of Neil ashton and return of Sam Aiston. And Street's only contribution under the Peters regime was to gift a goal to Mansfield in December.

Town are preparing for the match against Darby's former club, Rusheden, without some key players. Luke Rodgers is suspended and Dave Walton has a groin problem. But Salop are boosted by the return of Darren Moss after his four-game ban.