Following Shrewsbury Town’s relegation to League Two, the club have recently announced their retained list, with Jamal Blackman, David Wheeler, and Alex Gilliead amongst those released at the end of their contracts.
Most notable of those departing is Jordan Shipley, who since coming through the ranks at Coventry City has established himself as a valuable asset at League One level.
The midfielder played 125 matches for Salop over three seasons, scoring 16 goals for the Shropshire club, and was also a crucial part of Coventry City’s squad that won promotion to the Championship in 2020.
Shipley has come under a lot of criticism following the club’s relegation campaign and has not been offered a new contract by the club as Michael Appleton prepares the club for life in League Two.
While registering two goals and two assists in League One last season was a flat campaign for his usual standards, previous pedigree in the division would suggest that many clubs are bound to be lining up for his signature.
Here are four potential suitors that would be fitting moves for Jordan Shipley going into the 2025-26 campaign.
Four potential destinations for Jordan Shipley:
Lincoln City
No strangers to signing a player from the depths of League One, the likes of Ethan Hamilton and Tom Bayliss having joined the Imps amid similar situations in the past.
The latter of the two would be familiar with Shipley, having played with Bayliss for both Coventry City and Shrewsbury Town.
The Imps often take a developmental route with players, unearthing gems from the lower half of League One with the idea that the player would perform well in an established, mid-table side.
And with Shipley not necessarily being one for “development” at the age of 27, it is very likely that his qualities would flourish more for a side further up the division.
While the addition would be no surprise, Shipley would offer a greater level of depth to the Imps’ flanks, providing competition for the likes of Erik Ring and Reeco Hackett.
Additionally, a partnership with striker James Collins would bring a great degree of promotion know-how to Michael Skubala’s first team, with the club likely aiming to challenge for the League One play-offs in 2025-26.
Wigan Athletic
On the back of a 15th-placed finish in League One, goals were the downfall of the Tics throughout the 2024-25 campaign.
Thelo Aasgaard’s January move to Luton Town was a crucial blow to their season, with the team struggling to find a source of goals – only finding the net on forty occasions in League One.
And with Ryan Lowe now at the helm, Tics fans can expect a huge transformation in the squad going into next season.
With the club looking to move vastly up the League One table, the option of Jordan Shipley would provide some excellent versatility and sporadic goal contributions, which is common amongst a Ryan Lowe team.
A very reliable option with a previous promotion at the level, Wigan Athletic would be an excellent match for Ryan Lowe whose ambitions next year will far exceed their 15th-placed finish.
MK Dons
Perhaps outlandish, but not impossible.
On the back of a more-than-disappointing campaign in League Two, the appointment of Paul Warne tied in with MK Dons’ resources has many fancying the club as early favourites for promotion in 2025-26.
Boasting the likes of Liam Kelly, Danilo Orsi, and Luke Offord in their squad, MK Dons are no strangers to a statement signing at League Two level – which Shipley certainly would be for any club in the division.
While Paul Warne’s sides are known for their defensive solidarity and workman-like mentality, combining with the likes of Dan Crowley and Alex Gilbey could make MK Dons a real attacking threat under Warne.
While MK are expecting a huge stylistic transformation over the coming months, it cannot be denied that Shipley would benefit from a more technical environment in a team expecting to challenge for promotion.
Mansfield Town
The Stags were ruthless in their recent retained list, suggesting a big summer ahead for Nigel Clough’s side as the Nottinghamshire club aim to establish themselves further as a League One side.
In his time at Mansfield, Clough has often succeeded with experienced heads in the peak years of their career – the likes of Stephen Quinn, Aden Flint and Hiram Boateng crucial to the Stags’ recent successes.
And while a 17th-placed finish in League One can be regarded as a successful season upon their recent promotion, dismal form from January onwards would suggest Nigel Clough could require some fresh faces to move forward.
Fitting the profile for Clough is Shipley, his versatility and experience at the level could be a real asset for the club who will be looking to further establish their place in the third tier.