Paul Hurst throws out a challenge to Shrewsbury Town stars
Boss Paul Hurst has challenged his Shrewsbury players to raise their games further now more competition has been added to the ranks.
A total of five new signings helped bolster the promotion-chasers’ squad in January, with three attackers checking in on deadline day.
One of the new recruits, winger Nathan Thomas, caught the eye on his Shrewsbury debut at Bristol Rovers last Saturday, where he started in place of Alex Rodman. But Rodman had the final say against The Gas, coming from the bench 16 minutes from time to create a stunning assist for Toto Nsiala’s winner.
“It makes me just think that, if he’s coming off the bench, then I know he can do something,” said the boss.
“If it’s Nathan on the bench, then he can come on and do something.
“The same with Shaun (Whalley). Arthur (Gnahoua) missed out at Bristol Rovers for the first time. His contributions when involved have been very good.
“But ultimately, for me now the standard has been raised again.”
Rodman has featured in 27 of Town’s 29 league games this term, starting 25. But this time, after a handy debut from Thomas in which the Sheffield United loan man looked a threat, he made the difference from the bench.
Hurst admitted throughout the season that he was on the lookout to boost his wide options, suggesting that Rodman and Shaun Whalley had enjoyed an easier ride than those in other positions.
He said: “Players have to try and take that on and up their game even more – and it’s been pretty good as it is.
“I’ve got some very good players on that bench and some that weren’t even involved (at Bristol).”
Town are now two points clear of third-placed Blackburn with a game in hand. Scunthorpe, in fourth, are seven points behind Shrewsbury having played two games more.
But Hurst is not interested in Town’s lofty status at this point.
He said: “Naturally you look at our league and teams up there competing. I do it myself. I don’t think anyone’s going to get carried away.
“There’s far too long left, if there’s one game left and we need to do something to achieve it then yes, but it’s a long, long way to go.”
