Paul Hurst: Shrewsbury Town players will not be impacted by FA Cup pressure

Paul Hurst says the Shrewsbury Town players are aware of the financial advantages the FA Cup brings but insists that will not influence their performance. 

Salop head to Salford today for their FA Cup first round proper clash with Karl Robinson's League Two side. 

The winners of the clash at the Peninsula Stadium will receive £45,000 and progress to the next round of the competition where £75,000 is up for grabs. 

Shrewsbury's financial issues in the last year have been well documented after losing more than £3 million in their latest set of accounts announced in April this year. 

And while the Town players will be aware of the importance of it tomorrow, Hurst says there is always pressure for footballers.

"I'm certainly aware of it," he said. "And I would love to have a great cup run. The club earns some money and brings some reprieve, a bit of help for the chairman moving forward.

"But the reality is we can't go on to the pitch, as in the players, thinking about that. 

"And I don't think, respectfully, and not in a bad way, but that won't be at the forefront of their minds. You can't go on to that pitch thinking about that.

"The pressure is there anyway. It's always there. What we've got to try to do is manage that the best that we can.

"Whether that's the situation in terms of finding wins difficult to come by, or whether that's when you're flying and that pressure comes because you want to keep winning because the teams behind you are winning and you want to try and get promoted.

"So the pressure is always there. But I think the financial aspect is more for the chairman and the people upstairs rather than the players on the pitch.

"They're aware of it, they get it. But, like I said, that won't be influencing performance."

The FA announced earlier this year that FA Cup replays were to be scrapped. 

So if Town's clash with Salford ends all square after 90 minutes it will be decided with extra time and penalties. 

And Hurst says everyone is well aware who benefits the most now that replays have been removed. 

"We know who's dictating these changes," he continued. "Let's be honest, it's not Shrewsbury Town, it's not Grimsby Town, it's not Morecambe. 

"What would be classed as lower league clubs it is coming from the top. I get it because I'm in agreement in one regard, there's too much football in my opinion.

"I think as well as the memories, I think also for football clubs, it's a potential income boost.

"So, that takes some of it away. I know they've distributed the money differently, but I'm still not sure it's the right thing."

After the game in Greater Manchester today, Salop will be back in league action next week when they make the trip to Burton Albion. 

That is a huge game in the context of Town's season having won just twice in 14 games.