Five talking points as Shrewsbury Town secure League One status

For the vast majority of the season – despite Town being underwhelming on the pitch – they stayed well clear of the relegation zone, and the 48 points they now have is enough to see them safe heading into the final weekend.

Dan Udoh’s goal gave them the lead at The Valley and, despite not being able to hang on to all three points, it was the pivotal moment – so what were the talking points from the game?

Away record

Salop’s record on their travels has been inconsistent at best this season. They had won just two league games from the 14 they had played when Matt Taylor was relieved of duties at the end of January, and in that time Salop had only picked up two draws.

The contrast since Hurst has taken over is somewhat remarkable. In the nine remaining games, they have won three, drawn four and lost just two. That form is what kept Town in the division this season.

If Hurst can turn around their home displays next season, then they should be in a position to compete higher up the league.

Relief

It has no doubt been a tough time for Shrewsbury fans. Next season will be the club’s 10th consecutive year in the third tier of English football.

At times that looked like it was going to be in jeopardy due to the form of the team. Unless there is a four-goal swing in the final game of the season they will end up being League One’s lowest scorers.

So there was immense relief for everyone associated with the club in south east London at the weekend.

The manager expressed his and spoke about how pleased he was for the chairman Roland Wycherley. The players would have been relieved too – after all, no one wants relegation on their CV.

Decision time

Now comes the hard part. As always at this level, there is a high turnover of players and so Town find themselves in decision-making territory. They have a few players out of contact – Dan Udoh and Tom Flanagan are arguably the biggest names.

But they have a few players the club have an option of another year on – but on relatively high wages they will have to decide what they think is in the club’s best interests moving forward.

Dead rubber

Before any of these can be made though they have the task of playing Leyton Orient on the final day of the season.

Paul Hurst will no doubt want his side to be competitive at the Croud Meadow but that fixture is arguably an annoyance – players out of contract will not want to get injured in it that is for sure.

Dan Udoh

Questions were put to Town’s talisman Udoh after the game about his Shrewsbury Town future. He wants to stay.

They would be foolish to let him go – he cares deeply about the club, and as Paul Hurst has proven he can be so useful when he is used correctly.

It is a big decision for the club to make – they need to make sure they make the right call.