Shrewsbury boss Paul Hurst bemused by decision to appoint Robert Jones as referee for Wembley final

Jones was the man in the middle that dismissed Abu Ogogo early in the second half as Town secured a late 2-1 victory at the AESSEAL New York Stadium in November.

Hurst disagreed with the decision to show a straight red card to his skipper at the time and, having watched the fixture back in recent days, holds the same opinion.

That November clash was the only time that Merseyside official Jones, who has also refereed League Two and Championship games this term, has overseen Town this season.

Hurst said: “Genuinely, I don’t mean it disrespectfully to the referee – I can’t remember his name – but am I turning silly to think it’s strange someone would get a game that they’ve refereed before and sent someone off either way?

“It’s a tough job, I try not to say too much, but it does amaze me. It puts that little bit in your mind... if something does go wrong or astray.

“That (Ogogo) challenge, people might say you can’t do that in today’s game but maybe I’m still guilty of wanting people to be men maybe more than they’re allowed to be.”

Hurst was dismayed to see referee Gavin Ward, who failed to send Lincoln’s Matt Rhead off for an elbow on Dean Henderson at Wembley in the Checkatrade Trophy final last month, make more high-profile errors in the League Two play-off between Coventry and Notts County.

He added: “I speak to another manager who has said they’ve put a complaint against him and you think ‘when did he have his good games to get the points or marks?’”

Playing with 10 men in South Yorkshire did not cost Town as Stefan Payne popped up with a 94th-minute winner.

Hurst continued: “We put a video together not too long ago of goals from the season and looking at some memories.

“The celebration after that winning goal, it wasn’t anything against Rotherham, but playing a top team in your league and going down to 10 men and scoring that late goal, to see their faces.

“Stef sets off running and you see the other lads knock each other over. You’re proud, you laugh, it’s amusing.

“It epitomised a lot of the season full stop even though it was November.

“It’d be great to see those scenes again but I’m hoping that we can keep 11 men on the pitch and not have to put ourselves through that.”

Meanwhile, reports in Suffolk have again suggested Ipswich will look to speak to Hurst over their vacant managerial position once Sunday's game is over.

The reports claim Ipswich have been given assurances, via third party contact, that Hurst, 43, would be interested in discussing the position.

Both parties are keen to conduct business professionally and respectfully though and it was agreed a while back that no formal approach or interviews would take place until after the play-off final.

St Mirren manager Jack Ross was a leading contender to replace Mick McCarthy at Portman Road but now looks poised to be appointed at Sunderland following their relegation from the Championship and dismissal of Chris Coleman.