One year on: Paul Hurst has Shrewsbury Town smiling

Those were the words of Paul Hurst when he took over as Shrewsbury Town boss a year ago – and he has certainly succeeded.

The difference in Salop from then to now is night and day.

They were at the foot of the League One table when he arrived, now they are leading the way.

Being two points clear of Wigan Athletic and 10 ahead of third-placed Bradford City after 15 games, fans are daring to dream.

And why not? Initially, Hurst’s appointment looked a risk.

Having got Grimsby Town out of the National League, the 43-year-old only had a couple of months’ experience of being at the helm in the Football League.

Town had managed two wins from 15 games prior to his arrival.

The task at hand was huge, but the gamble paid off immensely as they ended up two points clear of the League One drop zone.

After a promising pre-season, beating the likes of Championship high-flyers Wolves, Salop fans felt there may be something building.

But nobody would have expected to go 15 games unbeaten and be alongside Manchester City as the only English side yet to lose this term.

Hurst feels Town have come a long way in the past 12 months – on and off the pitch.

He praised chairman Roland Wycherley and chief executive Brian Caldwell for their work – getting a new training ground, the Sundorne Castle complex, in place and soon having safe-standing at the Montgomery Waters Meadow.

“I think that is credit to the chairman and the chief executive, in particular the chairman who has been here a long time,” said Hurst.

“I heard things when I first came in. There is always some criticism with the position he is in, but we have a very well-run football club here.

“We have a good stadium, a good training ground – good facilities. We want to try to put a team out there which represents that.”

Hurst has firmly stamped his mark on the Salop squad. Shortly after his arrival, Adam El-Abd – skipper under Micky Mellon – was left out of the side and left the club at the end of last season.

The likes of Ian Black and Gary Deegan were not favoured either.

While not the biggest names for a casual fan, Hurst has managed to assemble a very strong squad of hungry players.

The majority are young, with the likes of club captain Mat Sadler and matchday skipper Abu Ogogo proving key figures in the dressing room.

Town made no fewer than 14 signings in the summer, and Hurst – keen to remain grounded – added: “This season, we have a good squad.

“No matter what happens, we have a good squad and the players are committed to the cause of trying to get us 50 points, first and foremost.

“Hopefully we can get there as soon as possible.”