Happy Hunt backs new boss

Midfielder Dave Hunt has given a ringing endorsement to new Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Simpson after coming in from the cold.

Hunt, who missed Saturday's 1-1 draw with Dagenham & Redbridge with a shoulder injury but hadn't given up hope of returning for this afternoon's meeting with Notts County, hardly got a look in during the last three months of Gary Peters' reign which ended at the start of this month.

But caretaker boss John McMahon brought him back into the team, and he was also included in Simpson's first line-up for the trip to Macclesfield.

That ended in disappointment as Town lost 2-1 and the former Northampton man picked up a knock, but he is still revelling in his change in fortunes.

"It's great just to be playing," said Hunt. "The new manager is very professional and seems to know exactly what he wants.

"It's nice to have someone giving you praise when you're playing. Gary Peters had his choices and made them and, as a player, you just have to take it when you are left out.

Relieved

"There were times when I thought I might get a chance and I didn't. I just got my head down and got into a weakly routine of working hard - I didn't want to give up because there's no point playing if you do that.

"Training seems to be very short and sharp and he's done a lot of work on our fitness. Technically he's very good and the lads seems to to be very happy with the training - there's a lot of plusses."

Hunt is simply relieved that the injury - sustained in the closing stages at Moss Rose - is not as bad as first feared.

"I thought my collarbone was broken or I'd dislocated my shoulder but in the days since the game it's healed quicker than I thought.

"The physios Rachel (Greenley) and Joe (Hinnigan) have been working in plenty of rehabilitation for me and it seems to be going well."