Shrewsbury v Peterborough: Paul Hurst wary that new boss could lift Posh

The Posh visit the Montgomery Waters Meadow, where Town are four games without a win, having sacked Grant McCann and swiftly replaced him with Steve Evans.

Hurst knows first hand how a change in boss can reinvigorate a side, having turned Salop from relegation fighters to League One title-chasers.

“For some players, it’ll usually give them a lift if they haven’t been in the previous manager’s plans,” said Hurst on the switch at eighth-placed Peterborough.

“Others may be disappointed if they were being picked and got on with the manager.

“You’re never quite sure. Ultimately, they’re not a million miles away from the play-offs.

“They’re not having a disastrous season but it wasn’t good enough for the owner and they made a change.”

Hurst, while uncertain how Evans’ introduction will impact things, is aware of the Posh’s strengths.

Forward Jack Marriott is the top scorer in the division with 19 goals, while Marcus Maddison is top of the assists chart with 14. Peterborough handed Town their first defeat of the season in the reverse fixture in October.

Salop had gone 15 games unbeaten before that loss.

“I have seen it work both ways. When clubs do change manager, they’re often looking for that sudden change in form,” said Hurst.

“Peterborough just seem to have drawn quite a few games.

“We obviously suffered our first defeat of the season there, on a day where I felt we deserved something from the game.

“We couldn’t force the equaliser and they’re similar to Charlton (who Salop beat 2-0 last weekend). They have a lot of players that are very capable and possess good ability – lots of attacking flair.

“Last weekend (as they drew 1-1 with AFC Wimbledon), they ended up with seven or eight attack-minded players on the pitch.

“I’m interested to see how they go as I don’t think they could get many more attacking players out there.

“That’s sort of been Peterborough over the last few years – scoring a lot of goals, taking gambles on players that are up-and-coming. We expect a team that will come and certainly not sit back.”

Hurst knows Marriott and Maddison have the talent to hurt Town – but insists they are not the only ones to look out for.

He managed striker Omar Bogle at Grimsby Town and is a big fan of the 24-year-old.

“Omar, they pushed the boat out to get him in (on loan from Cardiff City until the end of the season),” said Hurst.

“I know him well from my time at Grimsby. Danny Lloyd as well – there’s numerous ones.

“They’re all, on their day, capable of making something happen and scoring a goal.

“They’re good at one v ones and we’ll have to be on our guard.”

Salop go into the clash second in League One, four points off league leaders Blackburn Rovers – having played a game less.

They could do with a win tomorrow, and Hurst added: “We know that they’re very dangerous opposition.

“We’ll have to make sure we’re switched on defensively.

“Going the other way, we always feel like we can cause teams problems. It’s a tough game.”