Just 54 days after the last game of the 2016/17 season, Paul Hurst’s Shrewsbury Town squad are back in pre-season training ahead of the club’s third consecutive year in League One.
With three new faces confirmed, and a new training ground for the players and staff, preparations are now underway as Town look to improve on their 18th place finish last term.
Hurst is pleased with the upgrade to the facilities and praised his staff for their work in getting the ground ready for pre-season.
“It’s nice to see some old faces, some new faces around the place and there is still work going on at the new training complex so it’s a bit hectic, but things will settle down nicely,” Hurst said.
“The pitch is great for the players and the main thing is that it’s usable and it’s certainly a big improvement for the football club.”
He continued: “The gym looks fantastic and Skitty’s physio room is looking pretty good as well.
“He’s done a fantastic job, he’s been very hands on in getting it to this point so it is usable.”
The first-team squad will be subjected to some intense work over the next few weeks, but Hurst says it’s important for the players to settle in on their first days back.
“It wasn’t the hardest day, there was a lot of the testing and we had the balls out this afternoon to get them used to that again.
“All the plans are there, I think there has to be an element of adaptability along the way depending on how we feel things are going.”
Hurst went on: “Things take time. Building relationships and bonds, and that starts today, but we’ve got a trip to look forward to as well which will only emphasise that.
“There will be some work tomorrow as well and then the players will have Sunday [off], but when it does get into a full week, everyone can find a place.”
Hurst is also hopeful that the facilities and atmosphere around the camp will allow the new faces to settle quickly.
“Things are new, and human nature for a lot of us means it can be a little bit scary, a little daunting but I’m sure everyone will enjoy working here.”