Shropshire Star

Underdog Paul Hurst is no stranger to making headlines

Paul HURST was used to fighting as an underdog in his playing days.

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His Rotherham United side famously secured back-to-back promotions from the fourth tier to the second at the turn of the millennium, writes Lewis Cox.

That successful spell was built on spirit and togetherness as the unfashionable, plucky Millers constantly defied bigger clubs around them under Ronnie Moore.

After managing at then-National League labelled ‘big boys’ Grimsby Town, Hurst has found himself carrying the underdog mantle again at Montgomery Waters Meadow.

It is one he carries with ease and he clearly picked up a plethora of traits with the Millmoor club that he has translated into management, particularly with Shrewsbury.

Ahead of his first return to United, the club he earned legendary status, as manager tomorrow, Hurst explained how he sees similarities between his current employers and the club he used to wear No.16 for.

Hurst, from nearby Sheffield, said: “I think it’s the same with us as underdogs. There’s no doubt there are some similarities.

“Without being too unkind on my former team-mates, I think this team plays more football. But in terms of the spirit, desire and work ethic there are a lot of similarities.

“Warney (Rotherham boss Paul) sometimes played in front of me on the left hand side, we’d both say that we weren’t the best players in the world by any stretch, but I think the opposition probably didn’t enjoy playing against us.”

Hurst’s Millers punched above their weight in the Championship for four seasons.

He added: “When we got promoted we went on to the pitch and tried to compete, which we usually did.

“There’s no doubt, in the second half of that season, we won games where we came off wondering how we’d done it.

“It was probably the sheer hard work and determination and a little bit of luck at times. One thing that group was, was together.

“We’re trying to create that togetherness here, a spirit that means even if we’re not at our best, we work hard for each other and back our team-mates up – that can take you a long way and I’ve experienced that.”

Hurst was embroiled in Rotherham. After a role in the community, he also considered a career in the media. He boasts a professional sportswriting degree and – as part of his university education – spent one day each week at the Rotherham Advertiser.

“He was always interested in the media side of it,” said Advertiser sports reporter Dave Beddows.

“He saw it as adding another string to his bow. We were happy to have him.

“We did not have to change much of his work and then he’d be on his way. He’d be really happy to see it.”

The sports editor Hurst reported to a decade ago, Paul Rickett, added high praise: “Hursty did all sorts of stuff while here and did very well may I say.

“He initially approached us, came in once a week and was really keen.

“We gave him press releases and asked him to follow up stories – and we rarely had to change anything.

“He’d have gone on to make it in this game had he not gone into this management lark.”

Hurst added: “It was another experience. Naturally you get a bond with people. For my degree you had to go on placement, I went to Rother FM and Radio Sheffield as well.

“They were very good to me, gave me some responsibility, it was nice of them. They certainly wish me well normally but I’m not sure this weekend!

“It’s another string to my bow. I’m hoping I don’t have to find out if I’d make it in the media...”