The experience of manager Paul Simpson can be a key factor in determining the outcome of this afternoon’s play-off final.

So says midfielder Paul Murray, who believes Simpson’s record as player and manager will help offer Town’s players a useful insight into how to prepare for the big occasion, ahead of the big clash with Gillingham.

“The manager’s record speaks for itself,” said Murray. “He’s had two promotions on the bounce at Carlisle and a trip to Cardiff in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

“At Preston he nearly got them in the play-offs the first year, didn’t go so well the second year, and he’s come here to Shrewsbury and straight away he has got us to the play-off final.

“I think that’s a massive key. The gaffer has seen it and done it, both playing and as a manager.

“He is so experienced at dealing with it and I think that will be a massive asset.”

Murray is preparing to make his first appearance at Wembley and is hoping to savour one of the biggest moments of his 15-year career.

“We have done it the hard way all season,” added the former QPR and Southampton man.

“We always said this is the best way to get promoted. The excitement we had after the Bury game going through to the final, it that can be 10 times that today.

“We are 90 minutes away. It will be one second of madness or one second of brilliance that decides it.

“It’s that thin line between success and failure.

“We don’t want to be saying we just got to the final – we need to go through and it’s a massive opportunity for us to achieve League One football.

“And we have got players here who will suit League One, I’ve got no doubt about that. I’ve played a lot in there and we will suit League One football.”