Promotion to the Championship would outdo Shrewsbury Town class of 79 – Steve Cross

The former midfield star reckons a play-off finish would represent a ‘fabulous’ season for Paul Hurst’s men.

Cross, who watches every home Town match, labelled boss Hurst a winner and praised the work of his No.2 Chris Doig.

And he said that reaching the second tier would outdo the historic title winners of 1978/79 under the player-manager stewardship of Graham Turner.

“If we get to go up to the Championship then it would be even better than 1979,” said Cross, who broke into Turner’s team after replacing the injured player-boss in March that season.

“I think it would top the lot. Even if we don’t get the automatic positions and make the play-offs, then it still would be a fabulous season.

“We had a bunch of similarly honest and hard-working players and they were the mainstays of the team.

“I remember we had two or three players that scored a few but a solid defence. Now there’s a really structured back four. Toto (Nsiala), Beckles and Sadler have been outstanding.

“I’m like every other fan, looking at who Blackburn and Wigan have got to play. If we can keep picking up points then we have got a chance.

“What makes it even better and more enjoyable is that we only just survived relegation last year. To be one game from Wembley too – who would’ve thought it?”

Cross, who made 262 appearances between 1976 and 1986, told the Shropshire Star last June he tipped Hurst to take Town to the top.

He made comparisons between Town and Burton last summer and predicted a ‘great season’.

He added: “I followed Hursty’s career. He’s a winner, along with the rest of his staff, especially Doigy.

“They have players that want to work hard for them.”