Mat Sadler shaping up at the heart of Shrewsbury Town's defence

The defender has featured in all but one of Town's fixtures since the ex-Grimsby chief arrived in late October after barely getting a run-out under Micky Mellon.

The 31-year-old's transformation goes deeper still. He has seldom been utilised in his conventional left-back position and has instead been the key man in the heart of Salop's defence.

While skipper Adam El-Abd picked up a suspension at Fleetwood and Ryan McGivern damaged his shoulder at Millwall, Sadler has proved an ever-present.

He was selected at centre-half in Hurst's first game, a 1-1 draw at Southend in October.

He added poise and, while not the quickest or tallest, made a couple of crucial late interventions to halt the Shrimpers' aerial bombardment.

And from there his impact has grown still. Supporters heaped praise on the former Birmingham and Walsall man for his assured reading of the game.

He returned to left-back against Bristol Rovers and again shone; Sadler will probably continue there for the Boxing Day trip to Bolton.

Hurst has also credited Sadler for being a knowledgeable footballer. Knowing when to hang back or when to step forward and intercept can make up for any lack of pace.

As an experienced pro and one who has enjoyed learning alongside the boss over the past nine weeks, Sadler is well aware of his own strengths.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed playing under the manager and the thing with him and Doigy (assistant Chris Doig) is that you're fully aware of what you need to do when you're out there," said Sadler. "That's music to my ears. It gives me confidence to know exactly what my job is.

"They've put faith in me and hopefully I've repaid that and continue to do that.

"I'm enjoying my time here. No illusions about it – since the manager's come in I'm having a much more enjoyable time and long may it continue.

"The manager and Doigy both see what I can bring to the team."

But being an intelligent reader of the game is nothing new to the man who once cost Watford £750,000.

He added: "My old man used to say I read the game well. I don't know if that's a strength because you kind of just do it!

"I'm happy that the manager and Doigy want to play me in those positions and I'm thriving on it. I'm thriving on getting results for the club."

With knowledge beyond his years, could the Brummie boy look to a coaching future? "I do intend to follow a coaching path, where that'll take me I don't know.

"It's such an insecure job. I will cross that bridge when it comes, I'm doing all the stuff now to put me in the position.

"I just see it as where my experiences are, so why not entertain the idea of coaching?

"I enjoy it, love football and enjoy being a senior part of the team. The manager and Doigy have given me responsibility and I thrive on it.

"Doigy's got the personality for it. Coaching is a lot like teaching, the good ones have personality."

But for now he has League One high-fliers Bolton on his radar.

"It's a game you really look forward to when checking the fixtures," he said.

"We know we have good footballers. Now we've started to be consistent and we've got nothing to fear."