CEO delighted to have got his man
Shrewsbury Town’s CEO Brian Caldwell was delighted to have got Paul Hurst on board as Town’s new boss.Chris Doig also joins the club as the Assistant Manager and Caldwell is pleased that all the hard work has paid off in the end.
“I did some due diligence into everything about Paul and I think he ticked all the boxes for me,” Brian told the Press.
“He was a young hungry manager who had the will to succeed. Don’t be kidded by the small nature of him because he’s played a lot of games at a decent of English football. He knows the league well and I just thought he was a really good fit for the football club.
“Obviously it took longer than we had hoped, but we’re delighted that he’s now in post and we’re looking forward to the stability he and Chris will bring.”
After speaking with Hurst, Brian was confident that he had the right man for the job.
“He’s a very honest straight to the point person, which I like,” said Brian.
“There’s no hidden agendas, he’ll just be honest and straight with everybody, whether that’s with myself or with the players.
“Players are always looking for people who are honest with them and I think he has a good track record and a good reputation amongst his playing squad and he seems to be able to get the best out of them.
“I think when we did eventually meet Paul we hit it off and we knew it was the right move for the football club.”
With Town currently bottom of League One, Hurst will have a difficult job on his hands, but Brian believes he will go down well with the players and fans alike.
“I think the only way is up,” continued Brian.
“I think sometimes a new face can change things. I think the players will have added a bit of pace and guile to their training this morning. They were obviously desperate for the manager situation to be resolved as well and they’ve got to earn the right to play in Paul’s team as they go forward.
“I think they will warm to him, his personality comes over very strongly and I think they will be keen to try and do their best not just for the football club, but for Paul too.
“I think the fans will take to Paul too. Having spoken to him this morning, he’s a very amenable type, he’s a good lad. He’s very approachable, very honest and I think everybody will get on well with him.”
It will be the first time that Town will have paid compensation for a manager and Caldwell admitted that the process had be an arduous one, but was pleased to have got it done in the end.
“It’s been difficult,” admitted Caldwell.
“I think when you are dealing with another club it adds another dimension to it. I’m not sure whether the club has ever paid compensation for a manager before, but you look at Grimsby and they don’t want to get rid of Paul.
“He’s been successful with them. He’s been there for five years as well which is testament to what he’s all about and his professionalism. So, they weren’t keen to let him go and I think that always adds another dimension.
“But, that is a compliment to Paul and we hope that we will get the benefit of that now, now that we’ve got it over the line.”