Michael Appleton has admitted that Shrewsbury Town defender Sam Stubbs is likely to leave in order to bring in new faces this January.
Salop have faced a turbulent season so far following their relegation from League One, and are seemingly set for a second relegation battle in a row, with the club now going seven games without a win in the fourth tier.
Stubbs Set To Go
A big talking point heading into the window at the New Meadow has been the situation surrounding defender Sam Stubbs, who has been absent from Town’s last two matches, which has been chalked down to ‘disciplinary issues’.
Appleton had previously stated to BBC Radio Shropshire, following their Boxing Day clash against Cheltenham Town, that the former Bradford City man had likely played his last game in blue and yellow.
Now, after their final game of 2025 against Grimsby Town, the former Blackpool boss has clarified Stubbs’ situation to the Shropshire Star.
“There is an understanding that it is potentially an opportunity to get the right outcome for both parties, which will probably, in an ideal world, see Sam move on and go and play elsewhere.
“That might give us an opportunity to do a bit of business.”
First Business Almost Done
In the same report from the Star, Appleton also spoke of a potential incoming signing, which would be their first of the January window should it be completed. The 50-year-old stated of their likely transfer dealings in the new year:
“We are very, very close to one coming in, so hopefully that will get done and announced and give everyone a lift.
“There are going to be potentially movement both ways which will allow us to hopefully improve the group.”
“We need a good few to make us better, there is no doubt about that. You want to make yourselves better and stronger sometimes late on in games and I was worried if I made too many substitutions it would make us weaker.
“That is not being disrespectful to anybody, I think everyone can see that.”
What Happens With Stubbs Now?
With a fallout between Sam Stubbs and Michael Appleton seemingly taking place, the defender’s exit from Shrewsbury Town is a near certainty. How that plays out is another question as Salop may wish to get some money out of a player they handed a two-year deal to in the summer.
A termination could also happen depending on how quickly they want the defender moved on, which will put him on the free agent market and give some League Two clubs a great defensive option.
At Bradford City and Cheltenham Town, Stubbs was a solid presence in defence as part of a back five, and with some clubs looking for defensive solidity, it would not be a surprise if lower-half clubs in the fourth tier make a move for the 27-year-old.