The boss began his squad restructure in time for the Play-Off run-in by placing defender Chris Giles, midfielder Hugh McAuley and striker Aaron McLean on the transfer list, writes REBEKAH WHELLER.
And he warned this week that more are walking a tightrope at the Recreation Ground and may follow suit.
He said: “The team hasn't been performing for me this season and isn't playing well enough to secure a Play-Off spot, so don't be surprised if there's one or two more on the list next week.
“There's one or two more that we'll have to be looking at moving on, we're not far away from having a good enough side to go up and I don't want to lose the opportunity of moving up,” said Brown.
Whilst some may believe that this transfer listing has been done in a bid to achieve the same astonishing “kick up the backside” results as with Will Antwi (who has since been taken off the list), the boss maintains that this is not the case.
“Hand on heart I need to freshen the squad up and until I get some off the wage bill I can't bring get anyone in, I've got to get out to get in. If it works in reverse I'm sure I can claim credit for something I didn't mean, it's a win-win situation for me if that happens.
“The three lads on the list are quality players, in Aaron you've got an England international, Giles is clearly a Conference player and Hugh is one of the best passers of the ball.
“All three of these players have been a big part in this year's campaign, but I am not in a position to offer them contracts next year. Is it better that I tell them that now or in May when 3,000 other players are looking for clubs?” said Brown.
The boss has quelled fears that the Shots could end up travelling to York with just one striker if a move for McLean was made this week.
“We aren't in a position to let players go if we haven't got suitable cover. Obviously I've got about four centre halves so it's a bit different for Giles but with Aaron, I can't let him go until I've sorted something out.
“We are looking at a boy from Northampton Town who was released this week but the main problem we have had, has been the absence of Roscoe D'sane and I haven't found that 20-goal a season striker.
“You could see the difference with Jonny [Dixon] but we've lost four forwards to Leyton Orient — the problem is that I'm looking for players capable of making it in the league,” he added.
Brown had been targetting attacking midfielder Bertrand Cozic, who was released by Northampton earlier this week, only to sign for lowly League Two side Kidderminster.
“Pro-players don't want to come into the Conference. It doesn't matter that Kidderminster might be here next season, it's about playing in the League,” added Brown.
Giles, who joined the Shots from Yeovil last season, has struggled without the experienced head of Ray Warburton beside him and has failed to command a regular slot in recent weeks.
Speaking to the News, he said: “I think it's fair to say that I've been inconsistent in recent weeks, but I just want to keep working hard and try and get my place back on the team at Aldershot. Full credit to Will [Antwi], I rate him very highly as a player and if getting him to play like that by putting him on the transfer list was Terry's intention then fair play.
“I don't think it's the same situation for me, it happens in football and I've just got to get on with it. For a centre half I'm still relatively young, and wherever I am I'll continue to play my best.”
McLean has already been linked with a move to Grays Athletic — one of two Essex clubs who have made enquiries so far.
The 21-year-old joined from Leyton Orient in March 2003 and scored six goals in the Conference last season including one in the Play-Off final against Shrewsbury.
Despite commanding a first team spot at the start of the season, McLean has struggled to hold down a place after the return of Tim Sills and the loan of Dixon. So far this term, McLean has just two league goals to his credit.
Meanwhile, McAuley has had a mixed period at the Shots, impressing in many of the games he has featured in, while also failing to hold down a regular spot.
The 27-year-old Liverpudlian joined the club at the start of the season and started well, but a dispute with the club over unpaid expenses in December caused unrest between the creative midfielder and the boss.
“I spoke to Terry [Brown] about next season and he's been quite honest and told me that the club can't offer me anything so I asked to be put on the transfer list.
“I need the security over the summer, if I was 19 and single I'd wait and stay on but with two young kids and a mortgage I need to know what's going to happen. It's a financial decision, I don't want to leave, Brownie said they might be able to offer me something at the start of the season but unfortunately I can't wait and see,” said McAuley.
With his wealth of League experience McAuley is hopeful that a club will come in for him soon, but says he will continue to play his best for the Shots.
“I'll always play 100% wherever I am, Aldershot is a great club with great fans, and I'm gutted to be honest, I'm good friends with Nikki [Bull], Watto [Steve Watson] and Barney [Darren Barnard] and disappointed to be leaving but sometimes you have to look after yourself,” added McAuley.
This weekend, the players face the long trip north to play York City, a team they beat 2-0 in their opening game in the Conference.
Since then York have failed to display the same application as Carlisle having dropped down from League Two. In fact the side currently occupies the 18th spot and is just eight points from the relegation zone.
York have enjoyed two wins on the trot, albeit one against lowly Leigh, and the other against Morecambe, while Aldershot have just one defeat from their last six games.
The northern jinx may have been dented with the 1-1 draw at Carlisle just after Christmas but whether it has been broken remains to be seen and Sundays aren't proving to be so lucky either.
Still the boss is confident his side can get the result: “They're a pro-club so we will be preparing the boys on Saturday and hopefully coming back with the spoils. York have had a disastrous season for a team that's come down from the league but the alarm bells will be ringing and they'll be scrapping for their survival.
“They've got good players, the boy [Andy] Bishop up front is a handful and they've had a good win recently which will give them confidence,” said Brown.
The bad news is that young centre back Brett Johnson has been ruled out for up to three weeks after suffering vertebrate damage against Hereford last Sunday, although captain Ray Warburton came through 90 minutes at Andover on Tuesday night and should slot back into the side.
Phil Warner could be out with an ear injury while Tarkan Mustafa may be unavailable with his wife due to give birth at any moment.
Tim Sills is due to get the results from a bronchial infection this week and should be fit while Dwain Clarke is still ruled out with a calf injury.
With thanks to the Aldershot News.