Manager Paul Simpson is hoping a ‘back to basics’ approach will prove the key to ensuring Shrewsbury Town last the promotion pace.

Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Chesterfield pushed Town back into the promotion places with 15 games remaining.

Chances to further strengthen that position come in the next week with Shrewsbury entertaining struggling Chester tomorrow before travelling to bottom club Luton on Saturday.

And Simpson has revealed a tough training schedule last week was designed to remind players of the key factors behind their early season success.

“I was horrible last week,” admitted Simpson. “We were into their brains for the whole of the week. They have done double sessions every day we have been in to get them totally focused on what I want. 

“We have said we don’t want to be making up the numbers in this league. 

“We are here to be successful. You ask the players and they want to be successful. 

“They are trying to do everything they can and last week we got back to it and Saturday showed that we can be a decent side – but I still believe there is more to come. 

“I don’t think you ever lose ability or passion for the game and all of those sorts of things. 

“You just lose a little bit of concentration as to what gets you results. 

“At the start of the season we were getting results by working hard, closing people down, putting our head in when the balls are coming into the box, by strikers working hard, by midfielders picking up second balls. 

“We did all that a lot better on Saturday and we know have to get them ready for the next one on Tuesday.”

Skipper Ben Davies, who scored one and made the other in Saturday’s victory, admitted the arduous week had been crucial to securing victory.

“It was a hard week,” he added. “Normally footballers moan about how hard they are working, but not one of the lads said a word. 

“We knew we deserved to be run and nobody has complained or said anything. We have done double sessions and it has paid off for us.”

By JAMES GARRISON