Paul Hurst hopes Christmas spirit can spark Shrewsbury Town

Salop players are expected to enjoy their festive knees-up after today's visit of Bristol Rovers and the boss is keen for goodwill and cheer to aid his side's survival hopes.

The ex-Grimsby boss, who admits to having no qualms with players taking a festive break, is also a believer that players should not train on Christmas Day.

Hurst wants the night out to help squad morale, which he had previously labelled as 'quiet' ahead of scheduling further team bonding exercises in new year.

"There is certainly a plan for something," he said. "In every club I've been involved with there's a time and a place for lads to get together and have their bit of enjoyment.

"Sometimes I'm sure it has worked when a night out is the spark that brings teams together.

"I think plans were in place before I came here, it was mentioned and we had a chat about it, I've got no plans to scrap that – I don't see any value in doing that.

"The fact that we are where we are in the league, some people may frown at it, but ultimately if it gets them together more and ready for what will be a tough festive period then I have no issue with it.

"As long as they conduct themselves properly they can get on with it."

Hurst, who has previously managed at Ilkeston Town, Boston United and Grimsby, sees his side return to league action at Greenhous Meadow today after FA Cup disappointment in midweek.

He hopes the event, which follows today's clash with the Gas, will help his side through a challenging festive fixture list with trips to top-five sides Bolton and Rochdale.

He added: "We've had some great nights. Sometimes you end up speaking with a team-mate or spending more time with them and suddenly you get along a little bit better when you're back at the football club, I'm all for that.

"Moving forward, once January's upon us – or at the end of it – we'll look to get something in place, a bit of team bonding, for the run-in to try and help us."