Paul Hurst: I want to jet out a winner with Shrewsbury Town
Paul Hurst wants to start his belated jet-setting adventure in style with a League One promotion winners’ medal packed away – after already postponing his family holiday.
The Town boss and his players can cement legendary Shrewsbury status if they break their Wembley hoodoo by downing Rotherham and reaching the Championship.
Party time would be short and sweet for boss Hurst, who is flying away on a family trip to Dubai on Monday – a break that was scheduled for last Wednesday, meaning the play-off adventure has left the Town chief out of pocket.
But Hurst was more than happy to delay some Middle Eastern sun for a shot at creating Shrewsbury history tomorrow.
“I think I might struggle to get on the plane if it goes well!” Hurst smiled.
“I know some managers have not had a holiday before, but I think it’s needed. Every experienced manager I’ve spoke with said you 100 per cent go on holiday.
“I’m certainly going to take that advice. You need it. It’ll be just over a four-week turnaround for us. It’s no time at all.
“It’s my decision but I’ve sacrificed quite a lot of family time over the course of season and since joining.
“But I’ve changed the holiday once, I genuinely didn’t think we’d be involved in the play-offs. I think I should’ve been going on holiday on Wednesday!
“It’s the same holiday but it’s cost me more money! Of course, I’d take it.”
Hurst, who could become the subject of an Ipswich approach after tomorrow’s final, acknowledges the sharp turnaround will make dealing with players’ futures difficult, as well as snapping up new players.
He continues his LMA Football Diploma course upon returning to England, with pre-season starting shortly afterwards.
And Hurst won’t be completely switching off in Dubai, something his wife Melanie has grown accustomed to.
“There’ll be certain things that have to happen, like conversations, over the phone. The players need that. They have certain things they need to take care of,” said Hurst.
“Being happy is stretching it! She did mention something about getting up, having a walk and not making a deal of it.
“I can pretend I’ve had really bad stomach ache for an hour or two! Obviously the more you’re in it, the more she gets to understand. It is important at times the phone is switched off or left in the room for a period, so I can maybe go down a water slide or two!”
