Bernard McNally: Shrewsbury Town have the right blend
Shrewsbury Town's start to the season has been tremendous, getting maximum points from their first two League One games.
The first game against Northampton, you would have been quite pleased had it finished 0-0 – but they got the last-minute goal to win 1-0.
They have obviously built on that down at Wimbledon and put in a fantastic performance, winning by the same scoreline.
You look at the side, what Paul Hurst has put together, and there was a concern because some of the players had come up from non-league or the division below.
To bring that amount of players in, getting them to work as he has is no small feat.
Hurst knows there is a long way to go – it is only two games – but it has been a great start and the optimism among supporters is growing.
There are good signs – and it would be nice to see them get to that 50-point mark with several games left this season.
Rather than them worrying about being safe, we would all like them to really push up the league this time around.
It is the best start Shrewsbury have made to a league season since 2010/11, and the best start to a third-tier campaign since the mid-1980s.
They had a good pre-season, beating sides from the Championship, and it has carried on so far.
The young players Hurst has brought in – the blend he has got – are showing the endeavour and commitment that you need.
The players are not the biggest names at this level and have a point to prove. It is working at the moment.
In the past, Shrewsbury have recruited players with good name value but seemed past their best.
We all want that blend – experience with that youth and vitality.
When you go for experience, you need the right characters.
You do not want people just coming in, seeing out the season and picking up their wage – that is no good to anyone.
You need them giving 100 per cent, otherwise you are better off sticking with youth – and a lot of Hurst’s players could really progress at Shrewsbury.
The dream would be to get in that top six in the next couple of years and hopefully the side can stick together for that time.
That being said, the transfer window is still open and Hurst will be looking – you always want to strengthen.
You are always looking to get something better than what you have got, to add that bit of class, especially going forward.
I am sure Hurst will be happy with what he has got at the moment but, if something comes up, he will act.
