Jon Nolan is set for a defensive drilling at Shrewsbury Town

The two know each other well after spending six months together at Grimsby Town where midfielder Nolan flourished under Paul Hurst and Doig during a promotion-winning campaign.

It is clear from the tone of Hurst, Doig and Nolan’s interviews since his Monday move from Chesterfield that the trio are in sync.

The 25-year-old red-haired midfield man, who is said to be comfortable right the way across midfield, is noted for his confidence on the ball and ability at beating players and threading passes between the lines.

But after returning Nolan some friendly banter following the midfielder labelling Doig ‘miserable’ in his welcome interview, the Greenhous Meadow deputy insisted that the disciplined positional aspect of Nolan’s game will be something that will be drilled in during training.

“He’s miserable, moody and never smiles – his interviews are like pulling teeth...he’s pretty much like me!” Doig joked.

“A lot of his stuff is going that way (forward), he needs to learn to go the other way, which he’ll be getting drummed into him. He knows what will be happening.

“Jon’s a very good player with a lot of ability and a lot of potential to move on again and hopefully he can fulfil that here and go on to bigger and better things.”

Nolan netted four times in 18 games for Hurst’s Mariners two seasons ago as they won National League promotion via the play-offs.

His form had a number of clubs battling for his signature before Chesterfield won the race.

Hurst’s No.2 explained the meteoric impact that Nolan, who joined from Lincoln that January, had on Grimsby’s success and the style of football supporters can expect from Town’s newest capture.

Doig added: “He was fantastic for us. We signed him in January and got promoted that season, he played a massive part in the second half of the season.

“He’s got a lot of ability and energy. He’s good on the ball, he’s not a dribbler per se but is a good carrier of the ball.

“He’s creative and has very good fitness levels. He has a lot to offer.”

Hurst has hinted that he believed Lincoln City, Nolan’s home for three years, didn’t quite suit the midfielder. Doig agreed before describing how crucial he and Hurst rate player-management relationships.

“He didn’t play as many games as what he should’ve to be honest, from the outside looking in certainly,” added ex-Nottingham Forest and Northampton defender Doig.

“We couldn’t quite work out why he wasn’t playing with the ability he’s got.

“It wasn’t until he came to Grimsby that he seemed to be happy and enjoying his football. He had a fantastic relationship with the manager and that’s obviously a big reason for him coming to Shrewsbury.

“We’re big on relationships with players. The gaffer’s big on the environment created at a football club. We want players to work hard and be demanding, but also enjoy themselves.

“That’s how we feel you get the best out of players and certainly in my three years of being an assistant it’s gone that way.”

Nolan’s League One debut year at Chesterfield, ending in relegation, didn’t go exactly to plan.

Despite catching the eye in spells, he picked up a number of niggles and was also sent off twice.

But Doig is not deterred and confidently added: “He did well at Chesterfield and I’m certainly hoping now he’s back with us he’ll do better.”