Shrewsbury Town end of season survey: Fans believe Hurst exit left a lot to be desired

Three-quarters of almost 900 Town fans who voted in Shropshire Star’s end of season survey stated Hurst’s departure for Portman Road – barely more than two days after League One play-off heartbreak – left them feeling disappointed.

The opinion was split on whether two Wembley defeats in one – overall – memorable campaign, in both Checkatrade Trophy despair and play-off heartache, detracted from the season as a whole.

Fifty-five per cent of voters believe the lack of silverware or promotion does not detract from Hurst and his team’s fine achievement after being tipped for relegation. Ninety-two per cent of fans were happy with the third-placed finish.

Many similarities were made between Town’s tilt at the Championship with that of the ‘Legends of 79’ who won the third division.

Despite last month’s Rotherham defeat, 59 per cent of Shrewsbury fans believe the staff and players should be remembered as legends.

More than half of Town fans (56 per cent) expected a bottom-half finish last season. Just five per cent thought Town could make the play-offs. Sixty-five per cent of fans feel Town should be a League One club, while 32 per cent voted Championship.

Jon Nolan won 43 per cent of votes for player of the season with Dean Henderson second on 22 per cent.

The midfielder, who is expected to attract the interest of former boss Hurst, dominated as the permanent signing to impress Town fans most, with 76 per cent. Omar Beckles was next best with 13.

Loans were hugely successful for Shrews last season. Norwich pair Carlton Morris and Ben Godfrey both picked up 33 per cent of votes as the most likely loanees to return to Montgomery Waters Meadow next season. Seventy per cent said loan players should be important to Town.

Abu Ogogo won 61 per cent of votes as the out-of-contract player fans most wanted to keep hold of. Junior Brown, who yesterday left for Coventry, claimed nine per cent and the also departed Craig MacGillivray 17 per cent.

Seventy-nine per cent of Town fans want new boss John Askey to address Town attack in the summer transfer window. While 73 per cent believe Salop need to make between four and six signings.

More than 60 per cent were happy with Askey not having any managerial experience in League One prior to his appointment. Forty-two per cent of fans think a top-half finish would be successful for Shrews next season, while 29 per cent suggested a play-off place.

Off the pitch, a massive 92 per cent said they were pleased with the job of chairman Roland Wycherley. Those who would use the pioneering safe-standing next season came in at 42 per cent.

Eighty-three per cent of fans are pleased with ticket prices, 76 per cent are happy with the matchday experience while the majority believe the best way to attract more season ticket holders is to offer more incentives.