Shrewsbury Town more tight-knit, says Bryn Morris

Hurst has secured 10 new signings so far this summer, Morris – who was signed by the boss in January – saw his six-month deal run out in the close season but penned fresh two-year terms to extend his stay.

And after playing an important role in steering the club to League One safety last season, the former Middlesbrough man has seen a big difference in how the new-look squad is shaping up both on and off the field.

"It's very different to last season to last season in terms of playing but also off the pitch," said the former English youth captain.

"I feel like we're a lot tighter, we're definitely more of a tight-knit group and there's a different feel about us.

"It's definitely a big thing to have that tighter feel. We now have to take that out on the pitch, which we have done in the last two games. I think we bounced back well from the Brackley game."

Morris played his first 90 minutes of pre-season in a tireless display during Town's 2-0 home victory over Wolves on Saturday.

Town are tackling another Championship side as they take on Cardiff City at the Montgomery Waters Meadow tonight.

He was part of the Town training camp in Portugal, while also believes the club's move to training complex Sundorne Castle has had a positive impact.

"It's really good to have had the training ground," added the midfielder. "Last year we were training at the ground and it's just nice to go to a training ground.

"It brings a different feel, you're not at the ground every day and then when it comes to a match it feels more fresh."

Town worked harder than neighbours Wolves in their victory, something that Morris admits is very much a feature of the management staff.

"Doigy (Chris Doig) keeps saying he wants us to steamroll teams. There's no coming off the gas." he said.

"The way the gaffer likes to play is for us to work hard and I think we do that well. We benefit from that as you've seen with the two good results against really good teams.

"The hard work is paying off but it means nothing in pre-season. We're all working to the first game of the season where we want three points."