Shrewsbury boss Paul Hurst is putting emotions aside for Rotherham return

The Town chief is second in the Millers’ appearance record books and admits the game does have added significance for him and his family.

But Hurst, who turned out 494 times for the club that then played at Millmoor, is fully focused on maintaining table-toppers Shrewsbury’s superb League One form this season.

He was Rotherham team-mates with United boss Paul Warne for six seasons.

“I’m looking forward to seeing old faces. I’ve caught up with a few over the phone, interviews and chats,” said Hurst.

“It’ll be great. There’s still a lot of familiar faces on the staff, with Warney as manager, Richard Barker, Matt Hamshaw, Mike Pollitt, John Breckin – there’s still a lot there, many that won’t be known in the background that do very good jobs.

“I certainly understand that I’m there to do a job, and that’s manager of Shrewsbury Town to get the points.

“I drove down to St. George’s Park yesterday with Matt Hamshaw, who is first-team coach there.

“We didn’t exchange teams or anything like that, probably skirted around conversation a little, but we both said we knew roughly what each other would do.

“It’s very nice (to be called a legend). We had some very successful times there and experienced a lot. Some highs, lows and off the field problems.”

Town head to the New York Stadium sweating over the fitness of midfield playmaker Jon Nolan (hip) who has been bidding to overcome the niggling injury that Hurst revealed he first picked up in Portugal during pre-season.

A decision on his availability will be made today, with Hurst hinting the injury may have worsened in Nolan’s last outing in the FA Cup victory over Aldershot.

The boss added: “It’s not an ideal situation but one that he’s coped with before – naturally I want him available, we’ll wait and see. I’m hopeful, but not certain that he’ll be fit.”