Boss Paul Hurst hits back at Shrewsbury detractors

Town have won plaudits as well as gained detractors for their hard-working style of play this this season.

The Town chief stated at the beginning of the season that he wanted to have the fittest side in League One. Hurst believes his squad are near the top of that category.

Hurst said that any viewers that have not acknowledged his side's at times free-flowing style have not been watching properly.

"Quite often if anyone is speaking about us it's a physical element to us, a work rate and a togetherness," said the Montgomery Waters Meadow chief.

"I am proud that that's the case. That's what I want my team to stand for.

"But I think if people don't see that we play some decent football as well then they're not watching the game properly.

"I don't mind if people don't want to think we're a good footballing side.

"When it's there for us to do then we'll hopefully prove people wrong."

Shrewsbury were not near their best as they comfortably dispatched rivals Walsall 2-0 last Saturday.

The hosts dominated possession despite not creating masses of goalscoring opportunities.

But they shone midway through the second period with a stylish move, including a couple of one-twos, which teed up Jon Nolan only for the midfielder to miscue from the edge of the box.

Hurst stated that, at the results end of the season, scorelines and not performance levels are all that matter.

"There were some really good moves at times (against Walsall)," the Town boss continued. "It was sporadic, admittedly, but you've got to find ways to win.

"It's always important to win games. We are very much getting to the business end of the season and winning games is the be-all-and-end-all."