Paul Hurst elated with first year at Shrewsbury Town

When Hurst took over, Town were bottom of League One and heavily expected to be relegated.

Having managed to stay up, they are now top following a 15-game unbeaten run this season.

It has been quite the transformation under the 43-year-old.

Summing up the stark changes – apart from their league position – since he took over, Hurst said: “There are lots of differences, in truth. It’s something that I am looking at, overall.

“Getting away in pre-season (to Portugal), the (Sundorne Castle) training ground, better players.

“I think there have been little things along the way that have helped – not just the playing side, but most things about the football club.

“I think it is positive and, like I have said before, it is a good place to be.”

Hurst has used his two transfer windows with the club to massively overhaul the squad.

The likes of Toto Nsiala and Jon Nolan – who he had at previous club Grimsby Town – have joined and become favourites of the Montgomery Waters Meadow faithful.

Hurst is aiming to carry on providing attractive football which brings positive results, but knows it will not be straightforward.

“Ultimately, what happens on that green bit out there is what fills everyone with hope, joy and happiness a lot of the time – since I have been here, thankfully,” he said. “I am fully aware of that so we want to see where this season takes us.

“At the minute, it is looking like it could be a very good one but there’s still a long, long way to go.

“We are third into the season now and I am fully aware of how things can go the other way. We have to stay focused and guarded, keep doing what we have been doing – what the players are producing.”