Paul Hurst will demand the best at Shrewsbury
New Shrewsbury Town chief Paul Hurst has challenged his squad to meet the high-end work rate requirements he demands from players.
The former Grimsby boss was unveiled on Monday as the man to haul Salop from the bottom of League One and admitted one thing he does not take lightly is a lack of effort.
Hurst featured almost 500 times as a player for Rotherham where he is remembered for leaving everything on the pitch – something he will demand from those in blue and amber.
"I like to think that I'm an honest manager and I pride myself on that," said the boss.
"It's important. Some messages I've had from managers in the past haven't quite gone down that route. I'm quite blunt. I'm not a massive screamer and shouter, but I'm demanding.
"I've found that I'm direct and if that should hurt the players then you're saying it for the right reason.
"It's to get the best for the team and that individual. It's to set standards, which we spoke about, that's something that can only breed success.
"It has to be done properly – I'm pretty certain I haven't got players good enough to turn up on a Saturday and stroll through the week.
"That's where it starts and hopefully we can transfer that onto the pitch."
Hurst is mostly recently remembered at Greenhous Meadow for leading his Grimsby side to an FA Cup replay after a goalless draw at Blundell Park last season.
The boss recalls impressive support from the Salop fans, particularly as his then-National League outfit matched Shrewsbury stride for stride and were unfortunate not to progress.
He added: "We played here last season, had a lot of the game and I have to say I didn't feel that the Shrewsbury players had too much of a difficult time from the supporters.
"I thought they really stuck with them despite a Conference side having a lot of the game, albeit that Town got the all-important goal.
"I've brought Chris Doig (assistant manager) with me and between us we've got a really good work ethic.
"The ones that want to will follow and will be treated properly and looked after. If we have any going the other way then I'm sure there will be a parting of ways, but I hope everyone wants to get on board and be together."
