Shrewsbury Town have announced the signing of Elliott Bennett on an initial one year deal.

The interest from the League One side was first reported in January but they have now signed the 32-year-old on a free transfer.

Bennett was wanted on loan in January, but there was always the expectation that the interest would be maintained should that not materialise.

Tony Mowbray ruled out a January move, and indeed the Rovers boss had expressed a desire to keep Bennett for another season, given his all-round value to the club, however finances made that prospect increasingly unlikely. 

The same goes for Harry Chapman who starred in a half season loan with the Shrews, scoring seven times, and although he was offered a deal to extend his stay at Ewood Park, that remains unsigned.

Bennett has now followed Amari’i Bell, Charlie Mulgrew, Corry Evans, Stewart Downing and Lewis Holtby out of the departure door at the end of their contracts.

Shrewsbury are looking to kick on under boss Steve Cotterill and have been linked with an ambitious move for Stoke City striker Sam Vokes.

Bennett has been short of game-time of late, making just nine appearances last season, not helped by an three-month absence with an ankle problem.

He took over the captaincy at Rovers following the first loan departure of Mulgrew in 2019 and is a highly respected figure at club, Mowbray feeling there was value in keeping him around the squad for his impact on the dressing room, as well as the pitch.

Bennett has played much of his football recently at right back for Rovers, but his versatility has seen him play on both sides of the defence, as well as various roles in midfield.

He will look to play a more prominent role for the League One side after bringing down the curtain on a five-and-a-half year stay at Ewood Park. 

An ambassador for the club off the field, Bennett played a big part on it under Mowbray and was a key component in the side which won promotion from League One in 2017/18.