Paul Hurst: No special words for Shrewsbury Town

Should Town beat play-off chasing Southend and rivals Bury lose against Northampton, Hurst's side will be safe.

But the Greenhous Meadow boss is relaxed about the occasion, and hinted that he expects the mathematical probability to be taken into next Sunday's final day at Oxford.

Hurst feels that no special requirements are necessary, but added that positivity from the stands has Town at an advantage compared to their relegation rivals.

"What I would say is that there won't be any real special instructions for Saturday. I won't try and throw a spanner in the works or confuse the players," said Hurst, who took his side to Southend on October 29 and earned a 1-1 draw in his first match in charge.

"I want us to be positive and play our game. We know Southend are a very good team. They've got numerous players that can hurt you.

"Despite our position – and people that know me will say I'm not perhaps the most optimistic, jovial character that you'll ever meet – I think that everything's positive despite the position we're in.

"On the back of giving some youngsters their first pro deals, the new training ground, the feel from the fans. On Monday it felt like they were trying to suck the ball in."

Southend are offering supporters free travel and discounted tickets for their trip to Shropshire and the Shrimpers have already sold in excess of 1,000 tickets.

"They've been great," added Hurst on Town's supporters. "It'd be very easy for a club like ours and the fans to be really disgruntled.

"I'm sure there are some out there, but I genuinely feel they're with the team and want the club to stay in League One and are behind everybody.

"We've probably got one up on some of the other teams – I don't think that'd be the case for everyone."

Full-back Joe Riley is expected to return to contention with a suitable playing cast for his broken wrist, while Freddie Ladapo (toe) returned to training yesterday.