Paul Hurst: Shrewsbury Town's Return and Ambitions in League One

Paul Hurst: A Manager on a Mission

Paul Hurst, the head coach of Shrewsbury Town, is back in his office, motivated and ready to prove his doubters wrong. Throughout his career, Hurst has thrived on overcoming obstacles and overcoming adversity. Since his early days as a player, he has embraced the challenge of proving critics wrong and is determined to carry that mindset into the upcoming season.

The Journey of a Resilient Coach

Hurst's managerial journey is marked by success and a few setbacks. Initially, he rose through the ranks, achieving promotions with clubs such as Ilkeston Town, Boston United, and Grimsby Town. His ability to lead Shrewsbury to Wembley twice in one season is a testament to his coaching prowess.

However, Hurst's tenure at Ipswich Town ended abruptly, and his stint at Scunthorpe was plagued by issues. "I took that job because I wanted to work. I am not one to play the game as a manager, and wait for that right opportunity," he explains. Instead of focusing on self-preservation, Hurst's approach has always been to tackle challenges head-on.

Returning to Shrewsbury: A Second Chance

Hurst’s return to Shrewsbury in January has sparked renewed interest. In the 2017/18 season, he led the team, once considered relegation favorites, to the playoffs, achieving the club's highest league finish in decades. Despite some fans' reservations about his return, Hurst was grateful for the support of the majority and aimed to regain their trust through his commitment to the team.

Cultivating a Competitive Culture

Upon his return, Hurst identified a pervasive sense of complacency within the club. "If nothing had changed, I am convinced they would have gone down last season given the fixtures left," he asserts. To combat this, he emphasized the need for ambition. Aiming higher than mere survival is essential for fostering a winning mentality.

Facing the Challenges of League One

League One presents a tough challenge, with Hurst noting that 16 teams will be under pressure to reach the playoffs. This adversity is something he embraces, stating, "We have got to try to overachieve, and I am okay with that." His focus is on maximizing the team's potential and instilling resilience when facing stronger opponents.

Innovative Recruitment: Finding Hidden Gems

As head coach, Hurst, in collaboration with director of football Micky Moore, aims to enhance recruitment. Recognizing the club's financial constraints, they are focused on discovering players who have something to prove rather than solely reviewing past statistics.

• Tommi O'Reilly: A young talent on loan from Aston Villa, crucial for the midfield.
• Aristote Nsiala: A returning defender hoping to regain form after a tough spell.
• Luca Hoole: A 22-year-old from Bristol Rovers, looking to elevate his game in League One.

Emphasizing Personal Growth and Team Values

Having reached the milestone of turning 50, Hurst is proud to see former players stepping into managerial roles, a reflection of the values he instilled in them. While he acknowledges his influence on these players, he emphasizes that his approach is rooted in treating individuals with respect and fairness.

The Drive to Inspire

Hurst’s motivation to remain in football goes beyond personal ambition. He emphasizes the significance of achieving collective milestones and creating memorable experiences for both himself and his team: "You want to achieve something together. That is what drives you." As the new season unfolds, Hurst remains committed to nourishing that desire for success, both for himself and Shrewsbury Town.

Join the Journey: Watch Shrewsbury Town

Keep up with Paul Hurst and Shrewsbury Town’s season by watching games through Sky Sports, where you can catch the action with over 1000 EFL matches available on the app.