Shrewsbury will look for an ambitious boss to continue Paul Hurst's success – CEO Brian Caldwell

Hurst’s switch to Ipswich Town is expected to be rubber-stamped over the next 24 hours, leaving Town to start the hunt for his replacement.

Livingston boss David Hopkin has already been strongly linked having guided them to the top flight in Scotland after successive promotions.

Town supremo Caldwell told the Shropshire Star that the approach for Hurst’s successor may not necessarily be one-eyed in the shape of the ‘young and hungry’ mantra that came with Hurst and many of his successful signings.

Shrewsbury are open-minded about potential suitors, of which there have already been a number from across the UK as well as abroad, and would consider someone with experience of League One.

“Yes we looked at a young and hungry ones who wanted to do better. He brought players who were similarly-minded,” said Caldwell of Hurst and his assistant Chris Doig, who is also included in the compensation package to move to Portman Road.

“But sometimes you always have to look at options out there. See if there’s someone who is potentially better, or who knows the league better.”

But Caldwell added that ambition was a trait that Town will be keen on highlighting. He noted that ambition in the dugout transpires to success on the pitch.

“There are others out there,” he continued. “You look for someone who is ambitious. You want an ambitious manager who is going to try and take the club on and continue what Paul and Chris have done over the last 18 months.

“It’s not an ideal world for them to move on to better things from the club’s point of view. But you take the rough with the smooth – if you have an ambitious manager you’re more likely to have a successful team. If you’ve not got an ambitious manager you’re unlikely to get a successful team.”

Caldwell was unhappy to learn of Ipswich’s approach for the Town boss via Hurst’s agent.

But an Ipswich Town club spokesman said: “We have total respect for Shrewsbury but feel we have conducted ourselves under EFL guidelines.

“We have also agreed an attractive compensation package with Shrewsbury should Paul become Ipswich manager.”