Shrewsbury boss Paul Hurst explains Tom Bloxham's starting line-up absence
Paul Hurst revealed Tom Bloxham’s form has led to his absence from the Shrewsbury starting XI – but says that is understandable for a young player.
When Hurst first took over as Shrews head coach Bloxham appeared to be a certain starter – but in recent weeks the Town academy product has found himself coming on as a substitute.
And the Town boss explained his reasons for that.
“Form realistically, in truth,” he said. “It was a little bit tactical last weekend to a degree, but in the main, there has been a bit of a drop-off.
“I don’t think I am being unkind saying that. I think that is what has happened. I would also back that up by saying there is an element of that being understandable as a young player.
“I think he has played a hell of a lot of games this season and most of the games he has started he has completed.”
Bloxham made 24 league appearances for Morecambe on a loan spell earlier in the campaign before being recalled in January.
Since returning to Shrewsbury he has made 12 starts scoring two goals and after being a substitute for the last two games Hurst wants him to rediscover his best form.
“I want him back to his best,” he added. “Whether that means taking him out whether that is a little mental break for him whether it is a little physical or it is driving him to perform better in training so that when the opportunity comes along he can do better.
“As I have said, I think Tom has done very well for us. To the point where, I know the system was different, but just thinking, the decision was made to let him out. It doesn’t quite make sense to me, but again, not privy to all that thought process behind it, and he has come back and done really well. He has come back and chipped in with a couple of really important goals for us.
“Just because he is 6’,4 or whatever he is, he is still a very young player. Does that mean he can go out there and do what he wants? No of course not. But just be accepting and understanding of where he is in terms of his career and his development.
“We will certainly try and push him as he has got some attributes, that you could see him going higher and if we can help do that then that benefits everyone.”
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