Shrewsbury Town seal signing of Gateshead's James Bolton

The 24-year-old, who came through the ranks at Macclesfield, arrives after a season with Gateshead, where he moved after caching the eye with FC Halifax.

Town have been short at right-back with the injury to Joe Riley, and youth teamers Christos Shelis and Ryan Sears have fitted in there so far this summer.

But Hurst has been a keen admirer of Bolton – who has been given a two-year deal – since coming against him while in charge of Grimsby Town.

The Town chief said: "He's a right-back that we've obviously needed. He's someone we've been trying to sign or a little while. A player that has certainly impressed in the Conference for Halifax and moved to Gateshead with the manager.

"He's one we kept an eye on last season. He can play centre-back too but we made it clear we're looking at him for a right-back.

"For me he's at a good age. Should still have development in him but he's got quite a lot of experience having played a lot of games.

"He's a fit boy, gets up and down, he's a good size so completes physically and we're looking forward to work with him.

"Initially he did very well for Halifax against us. Overall we've always looked at him, James always did very well.

"We have young Ryan Sears as well but at the moment it's too much of a jump for him and most of the other young pros."

Bolton becomes the 10th signing Hurst has brought to Town this summer.

While he will need to adapt having jumped two leagues from the National League, Hurst is sure that he can flourish in League One, bedding in similarly to the way forward Arthur Gnahoua has.

"We needed someone that we feel is more ready for first-team football. Yes it's a step up in leave; and James musty adapt to that," Hurst added.

"But for me it's the same game. If you're a decent player it shouldn't really matter. Arthur's shown that already. If you've got ability and you're good at your job then while you come against better players you're playing with better players too.

"I'm sure the lads will make the step as easy as possible for him. He's been impressed with the training ground and stadium and he's really looking forward to getting started and pushing his way into the team."

Meanwhile, the defender is also excited to make the jump up to Shrewsbury Town.

"I'm really pleased to get it through." he said.

"It was an easy decision, with it being in the Football League and League One, such a big club, it's brilliant to be here.

"League One is such an attraction. It's always been my goal in football to play in the Football League and now I get the opportunity to do it here.

"Obviously it's going to take time to get used to but I'm confident I can get to the pace and be useful for the team.

"I was originally a centre-half really. Got played right-back at other clubs and seemed to do OK there - I'd say I can still play both positions.

"I'd say I do the nasty bits really and like to get forward sometimes."

But whilst defending is his primary job, Bolton also expressed his desire to push forward and help Salop bag the goals to climb the table following their precarious position at the end of last season.

"Hopefully I can get down the wing, that's the aim to get a few assists to my name.

"Other seasons I've popped up with goals from set-pieces so hopefully more of the same.

"I'd go through purple patches where I did OK with goals. To be honest I should've had 10 last season I missed too many easy sitters. Hopefully I can get a few tap ins here would be nice."

The right-back is keen on improving his game and believes that under Paul Hurst he's in the ideal place to do so, and even recalled playing against some of the current bosses former teams.

"I hope for it to better me as a player and playing with better payers hopefully brings out the best in me. I hope to enjoy myself and do the best for the team.

"I've played against him [Hurst] a lot of times. In the FA Trophy final too, he's seen me quite a lot.

"His teams have always been good. Grimsby is not the nicest place to play, they're in your faces with a big crowd.

"It's been tough against them. I do like playing in those kind of games.

"You've only got to look at the facilities now and I'm looking forward to coming to work and do well.

"I've got to try and make an impression in pre-season and do OK to hopefully get a start in the first game of the season."