Shropshire Star

Paul Hurst happy to call on Shrewsbury Town mainstays

Paul Hurst believes there is an importance in littering his Shrewsbury Town squad with familiar characters.

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A number of the Town first-team squad cut familiar figures in blue and amber with Hurst managing to tie down some fans’ favourites to extended deals.

Player-of-the-season Mat Sadler extended his Meadow stay, alongside winger Shaun Whalley and all-action midfielder Abu Ogogo. They make for familiar figures in the Town set-up, alongside Junior Brown and Jayson Leutwiler.

While Canada international goalkeeper Leutwiler could be set to exit the Montgomery Waters Meadow, Town’s other stalwarts could play a big part in blue and amber again this term.

And Hurst believes there is a real significance in having popular characters around, both on and off the field.

“I think it’s important to have some characters,” said the boss. “If you just turn over every player every season then there would be a bit of a disconnect with the fans.

“As a manager you might just be getting to really know someone and then they disappear.

“Some of the lads that have been here for a while are great because they’re good characters.”

Hurst believes, whether players are regular first-teamers or simply good around the camp, positive personalities are crucial.

“Whether they are absolute kingpins of your team or whether they are just good to have around,” the boss added.

“That’s what I was keen to do with some of them, getting Sads to re-sign, Shaun and Abs when we triggered his extension.

“They’re players that you want to have.”