Boss Paul Simpson is getting tough with under-performing Shrewsbury Town in a bid to shake them out of their October slump ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Aldershot.

Town have lost their last three outings, a far cry from a few short weeks ago when they were on a crest of a wave after a run of four wins on the spin.

The Shots — who include former Shrewsbury man Ben Herd in their ranks —arrive at the Prostar Stadium in good form and Simpson knows another sloppy performance will be punished.

To that end, he has indulged in some straight-talking this week, and even cancelled the squad’s usual Wednesday rest day to impose a regime of extra training.

“We’ve had a disappointing 10 days,” said Simpson. “The players have had some home truths spoken to them and they know they haven’t performed.

“They know what is expected of them and what is supposed to happen.

“We’ve shown we can perform, we’ve shown we have ability and we’ve shown we’ve got determination. Now we have to get back to doing those things like we were.

“We’ve been conceding some absolutely pathetic goals and we need to get back to keeping the ball, moving it into wide areas, getting crosses in and testing goalkeepers – like we were before.”

New loan signing Waide Fairhurst is in line for a debut up front tomorrow, the Doncaster man a valuable addition given the continued absence through injury of both Dave Hibbert and Jake Robinson.

Winger Jamie Devitt has also signed on loan from Hull and he too is in contention for an immediate debut against Aldershot.

Striker Omer Riza has resumed full training but is unlikely to be involved.

Jason Dodd and Paul Williams are in temporary charge of the Shots following the departure of Gary Waddock to Wycombe.

By CHRIS HUDSON