Paul Hurst talks about the Academy changes
Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Hurst has confirmed that the Academy remains vital when it comes to bringing new players into the squad.
Town gave five scholars professional deals over the summer, whilst current Under-18s Christos Shelis, Ryan Barnett and Cameron Gregory have all been training with the first-team this season.
“I think he was great since I arrived and he appreciated the interest from myself and Chris in the set-up”, Hurst said of Jones.
“A lot of the work that he did had already started to bear fruit before I arrived, but I think everyone I speak to comments about what a good job he did in terms of getting some organisation and structure into it and growing the Academy.
“On a personal note he was a very good guy as well and we certainly wish him well in the future, but Eric’s someone that’s a very good coach and has been at a Premier League club, so I’m sure that he’s got some ideas that he will want to bring to the club as well, so hopefully we are in a good place.”
A number of youth team graduates have gone onto feature in the first team over the last few years and Hurst laid down the gauntlet to Town’s current crop of youth teamers.
“Last season we took five on and most of them have trained with us most days”, Paul said.
“I think now, moving towards next season, the standards got to be raised and that’s going to be difficult for that current crop of the youth team, but they know exactly where they are.
“They come up to the training ground a couple of days a week to use the gym and it’s important that they use the fantastic facility we’ve got up here and keep developing as players.
“It’s all there to do for them, but hopefully they are excited by how well the club is doing and want to be part of it.”