Paul Hurst determined for Shrewsbury Town to defy the bookies' odds
Shrewsbury boss Paul Hurst is determined to make the bookies look silly and not put Town fans through the mill of another relegation dogfight.
Some bookmakers have Salop as favourites to hit the drop to League Two after consecutive season of surviving in the third tier by the skin of their teeth.
But Hurst is driven by proving doubters wrong and is keen not to plunge Town fans into another season of nervously looking over their shoulders.
“Out of interest I just had a quick look the other night and we are second favourites to go down," said Hurst.
“One of the things that motivates me is to prove people wrong, so hopefully we can make those odds look silly when we get underway, but what I would say is that it is a tough division.
"When you looked at the odds there was a group, which included us, that are expected to struggle and then there’s a big group of teams that will be expecting play-offs or automatic promotion, so it is a tough league.
“I can kind of understand why we have been put in that position, but ultimately we want to make that look at bit silly during the season and we want to have a successful season
“People involved with Shrewsbury Town will all have different opinions on what a successful season constitutes, but for me I want to avoid a relegation battle. I think the fans have been through that the last two years and we want to say away from that.”
Skipper Adam El-Abd, Olly Lancashire and Gary Deegan have already had contracts cut and moved onto pastures new. It is understood at least two more will be out the exit door.
While reports Town are set to seal the signing of Manchester United shot-stopper Dean Henderson are premature, though Shrewsbury have enquired about the 20-year-old, who is said to have courted interest from a number of clubs.
On recruitment, Hurst added: “I’m trying to get something a little bit different. So we are looking to get some of those that are a little bit unearthed and I think so far we have managed to do that with a few.
“I think the squad is just shaping up nicely. I’ve spoken about needing some more additions and that work will continue, but I am really pleased with what we’ve done so far.”
