Shrewsbury v Rotherham: The table doesn’t lie - but boss wants a positive vibe

They welcome Rotherham to the Croud Meadow this weekend as they seek to kick-start their 2024/25 campaign.

The table does not paint a pretty picture for Shrews are at present, but the Town head coach says they have to look ahead to what they can still have an effect on.

“I haven’t paid much attention to it,” Hurst said on the league table. “But I would be lying if I said I have not seen it because Sky Sports News is in on and eventually the league table pops up.

“So I am aware of where we currently sit, and people might think it is wrong, but my own opinion and the way that I am judging this season is very much game to game and not just the cliché, but concentrate on the next one and see what result we can get.”

“Eventually that will take care of what is happening in the table. If we keep losing I don’t really need to see a table, I know where we will be.

“As someone who has managed a lot of games, I think you still have to cope with emotions and feelings because you care. You don’t want to get used to losing games of football, but at the same time I almost have to have a coping mechanism, a little bit for myself, and for the group and the staff as well in terms of moving on to the next one because that is what we can impact.

“That is the mentality we must have rather than getting too hung up on a run of games.”

Jordan Rossiter returned to the Salop squad last weekend in the defeat at Mansfield after not featuring since the first week of the season – and Hurst says he likes what the 27-year-old brings to training.

“He has done well in training,” Hurst said. “He has looked fit and sharp and competitive which I certainly think is something Jordan brings to the group.

“He wants to win. I find myself saying something that people might think is strange.

“They might think ‘Well, everyone wants to win’ but people have different levels and you see that and that is what I like about those types of players who wear their heart on their sleeve.

“You can tell by their actions how hard they are willing to run, how many blocks they put in and how many tackles they put in.

“I like Jordan’s character from that point of view. I certainly do like him when he is on the training pitch, but you see that character come through.”

Rotherham have not won away from home since their 1-0 victory over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in 2022.

Most of their games have been played at the level above since their relegation last season – but that record stretches across all competitions.