Gaffer looks ahead to Roots Hall trip
Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Hurst is expecting a difficult game when his side travel to Southend United on Saturday.
Phil Brown’s side got back to winning ways on Boxing Day with an impressive 3-1 victory over Charlton Athletic, whilst Town drew 0-0 with Wigan Athletic.
“I’m glad I’m not driving”, joked Hurst.
“I said right from the start that it’s a strange on for me. We’re not the only club to encounter something like this but it just doesn’t make too much sense, but we’ve got do it, so we get on with it.
“It’s a long trip for what then will be a tough game against a team that narrowly missed out on the play-offs last season.
“I think there aim all season has been to get in the play-offs and they are still certainly in touching distance with half the season left, so I’m sure they will be keen to get three points and to get closer to those play-off spots.”
Southend have enjoyed an up and down season so far but Paul is well aware of the quality they possess.
“I think in fairness to Southend they’ve have a few injuries to contend with”, Hurst said.
“A lot of them are coming back now and I think a couple of them would be considered to be part of their strongest team, like (Michael) Turner who is experienced and (Ben) Coker who is well thought of at this level.
“There’s interest in some of their players from higher up, which shows some of the quality that they possess and we will have to be on it again.
“They don’t get any easier and I’ve said from the start what a tough league it is, but we managed to beat them earlier in the season.
“They rested (Simon) Cox that night who has just scored two at the weekend, so I’m not sure he will be rested for this game and we will have to be close to our best yet again.”