Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Hurst ready for his toughest game yet
Paul Hurst is braced for the toughest test of his managerial career as Wigan visit in-form Shrewsbury this weekend.
Former top-flight outfit and 2013 FA Cup winners Wigan, managed by Paul Cook,are – alongside Town – one of the four unbeaten sides in League One.
And former Grimsby chief Hurst reckons the challenge could be the toughest he has ever faced as a boss.
Wigan, relegated from the Championship last term, are the favourites with most bookmakers to secure promotion this term.
Hurst said: “I think it’ll be one of the biggest tests I’ve faced, as in direct opposition, in a league game.
“We’ve had a look at them. Often when you watch teams it’s easy to pick a few things out where you can cause them problems or manipulate weaknesses. I’m struggling to do that in truth.
“Going forward they’re very fluid. The front four players and a couple of signings come in, they look on paper to me – alongside Blackburn – as the teams with the players that have the most ability to hurt you.”
The Latics are expected to sell out their 1,500 away allocation at Montgomery Waters Meadow, while Town have played just two of their seven fixtures this season at home.
“Coming down to the Championship it can be hard to get back. Recently there’s been some clubs that have yo-yoed trough the divisions.
“It’ll be a massive test for us but at least we’re going in on the back of a good win and form. We can’t ask for any more. It’s another challenge and whatever happens it’s one game.
“I’m hoping for a good crowd.” the boss added. “I’m sure they’ll bring a lot of fans. Hopefully we can do ourselves justice and make sure Wigan have to work hard.
“It seems like a month ago since we’ve been at home. In general the form’s been good there but this is right up there with the biggest tests we’ve faced.
“We’ve got to try and get on the ball ourselves and ask questions of them. They’ve dominated for large spells in games and we’ve got to stop that from happening.”
The game will be Town’s 3,000 Football League fixture.
“It’d be nice to mark that with a positive result so we’ll try and do anything we can,” Hurst said. “It’s a landmark for the club being in the Football League. Hopefully on the day we can do ourselves justice.”
