Former Ipswich, Scunthorpe and Grimsby manager Paul Hurst spoke to the press ahead of Shrewsbury Town’s game against Cambridge United.
During the conference, Hurst spoke about his first home game against Cambridge, deadline day addition Jack Hinchy and what his original plans for the January transfer window were.
Hurst returned to the club last week after enjoying a huge success when he was first appointed as boss in 2016 as he guided Salop to their highest finish in 33 years.
Since returning, Hurst’s side comfortably beat Northampton 2-0 away from home and will be looking to continue that this weekend.
Salop face Cambridge who are a point below them in the league so will be looking to extend their run.
When asked about the game, Hurst said:
“I think it’ll be a tough game; they’re involved in a lot of tight games, their defensive record is good.
“And when you look at some of the data around it, they don’t give up many chances.
“So, we understand that there’ll be times we’ll have to be patient.
“There’ll also be times where we have to keep the back door shut too because they’ve brought Macauley Bonne in, [James] Gibbons as well so there might be a couple of changes but I don’t see too many.”
Welcome to the U's, Macauley Bonne! ✍️
— Cambridge United FC (@CambridgeUtdFC) February 1, 2024
Hurst will interestingly face Neil Harris for the second time this season too:
“As I think I put it in my programme notes, I came up against Neil [Harris] earlier in the season at Grimsby when he at Gillingham.
“It just shows how football can change very quickly.
Shrewsbury signed one player on deadline day, midfielder Jack Hinchy on loan from Brighton.
🖊️ | We are thrilled to announce the signing of highly-rated Brighton and Hove Albion youngster Jack Hinchy on loan until the end of the season!
— Shrewsbury Town FC (@shrewsburytown) February 1, 2024
Welcome to #Salop, Jack!
🔷🔶
Speaking about Hinchy, Hurst stated:
“Jack is a very mature individual, he plays with that maturity.
“He knows the game very well, and I think you can see that.
“He keeps the ball extremely well, and he has got a good range of passing when he gets the opportunity to demonstrate that, and he reads the game very well.
“He is very intelligent which is the biggest thing. He is very well thought of at Brighton, and character-wise is their captain, and I think that says a lot.”
💬 | Jack Hinchy sat down with Salop for his first interview since joining the club on loan until the end of the season 👇
— Shrewsbury Town FC (@shrewsburytown) February 1, 2024
🔷🔶 #Salop
Hinchy predominantly plays centrally:
“I think he could play as the defensive midfield player, I think that is probably the easiest way to describe it so everyone understands what I’m saying.
“But he will be mainly in the middle of the pitch trying to dictate play and get hold of the ball, but also defensively giving us some security in front of the two centre-backs.”
Despite adding to his ranks with the 21-year-old, Hurst originally wanted more:
“I think you’re never happy as a head coach, you always want more.
“I said it when I arrived, I would have liked to have brought three or four in if possible to help the lads who are already in place, but it was not to be.”
Hurst’s first home game back kicks off at 3pm tomorrow at the Croud Meadow.
