Shrewsbury Town hierarchy ready to back 'good investments' for Paul Hurst

Attackers Arthur Gnahoua and Lenell John-Lewis have so far checked into Greenhous Meadow with many more expected to follow as Hurst plans up to a dozen additions to his squad.

And Caldwell insists the board will provide him with full support – if there is a ‘return or potential return’ on the targets.

“Paul is quite strong on what he thinks is the right thing and we’ll back him as much as we possibly can,” said the chief executive.

“We all buy into the fact that his signings could potentially be good ones for the club. And if there’s an investment there that we need to make then we, as a football club, will never not back that potential investment if it works for the football club, if there’s a return or potential return on it.

“Paul identifies somebody that we might need to pay money for, is good for the club and is a good investment, then we will always take a look at it.”

Hurst’s first signing at Town was Toto Nsiala, was brought in for an undisclosed fee from Hartlepool United and was a mainstay in the side, a key figure in the team that steered clear of the League One drop.

He was one of eight incomings in January, including loans, and Caldwell pointed to their business then as proof of how the club are willing to back the boss.

Last summer, Caldwell’s first in his role with the club, former boss Micky Mellon was supported heavily as he overhauled the squad with ‘League One-ready’ players.

“I think Paul’s done really well in the eight months or so that he’s been here,” added Caldwell. “We backed him as much as we possibly could in January as well and we want to continue that.

“I’m pretty sure over the last few years we have spent quite a lot of money in the transfer market. I think that’ll continue to go on if it’s the right time.”

Town have already sorted new deals for Mat Sadler, Shaun Whalley and Shaun Rowley from last season’s squad.