Chris Doig: Shrewsbury Town form has no impact on play-offs

Paul Hurst’s No.2 goes against the suggestion that form and results play a part heading into the make-or-break clashes.

Town head into tonight’s League One clash with Peterborough keen to improve their record of one win in six as they see out the season having mathematically secured third place.

Doig, who shares the view with boss Hurst, explained the play-offs are a different proposition and Town are focusing on maintaining fitness.

He said: “You want to win. We want to win every game – but I wouldn’t say it was vitally important tonight.

“If we don’t win tomorrow we’re still in third position and we’ve still got a couple of games before the play-offs start.

“As much as I want to win, it’s not the be-all-and-end-all. It’d be good if we won, but if we don’t then we don’t and go on to the next one.

“Honestly going into the play-offs on the back of losses makes no difference whatsoever. No difference at all.

“I’ve been there as a player, as a coach, I’ve won games going into the play-offs and not won the play-offs. I’ve got beat (going in) and won the play-offs.

“The play-offs are a completely different proposition altogether. When the play-offs come it’s whoever handles the occasion best, 100 per cent.”

Town are expected to see Stefan Payne (groin) return against play-off hunting Posh tonight, while Hurst hinted that – after Jon Nolan and Shaun Whalley were given breathers in Saturday’s draw with Bury – there could be more players given time off.

Abo Eisa’s first Town goal against the Shakers last weekend ended a run of almost 300 minutes without a goal. Posh halted Town’s 15-game unbeaten run at the start of this season.

“It’s irrelevant what your games have been beforehand,” added Scottish assistant Doig. “It’s about the two semi-finals before that. And who does best goes to the final.

“Yes it’d be nice winning every game before then obviously, but if we did win every game it doesn’t mean we’re going to win the play-offs.

“Likewise if you get beat it doesn’t mean you’re going to lose. Trust me, it’s when the play-offs come around. That’s when it’s time for the players to stand up. That’s when we find what we’re about.

"I’m not a betting man but I don’t think we’ll win the next games three, four or five nil. The main thing is everyone’s fit and healthy, confident and ready to go.”

“We’ll be going into the next three games to win but there’s a bigger picture.”

Hurst, who managed Grimsby in four play-off campaigns, added: “I’m not bothered what form we go into them in.

“I’ve been there, done that. People can talk about momentum but you have a pride as in you want to win every game you take part in.

“Ultimately it doesn’t really phase me, it’s on the day or two days.

“We want fans with us as they have been and they will be important with their part to play.

“In terms of form, honestly – people might think I’m kidding – it doesn’t bother me.”