Shrewsbury Town manager Paul Hurst has backed midfielder Funso Ojo‘s recent call for his teammates to demand more from each other following their 2-0 defeat to Exeter City.
Ojo, who is on loan from Port Vale, expressed his belief that the team needs to be more direct in their communication on the pitch, a sentiment Hurst fully supports.
Hurst Welcomes Ojo’s Direct Approach
Ojo’s comments came after Salop’s disappointing loss to Exeter last Thursday, where he suggested that the team should be more open in their feedback to one another. Despite Ojo’s straightforward approach, Hurst has no issue with his midfielder’s remarks. In fact, the Shrewsbury manager sees it as a positive sign of leadership and accountability among his players.
“I didn’t watch it. I have been told about it, I have got no problems,” Hurst told local media. “The players to a degree will manage themselves in certain situations. Obviously, we have a big say on that, myself in particular. I want the players to be accountable, we certainly hold them accountable, but you also have to understand the same people are perhaps going to be asked to go back on the football pitch and perform for you.”
“I would expect players to take accountability. I don’t think, certainly on my part, things have not been brushed under the carpet. You can’t do that. That is the reality,” Hurst explained. “One thing I do know is that people do not go out onto the pitch to make mistakes, I am sure of that.”
Who Is Funso Ojo?
Ojo is an experienced midfielder who has played for several clubs across Europe. He began his career at PSV Eindhoven, where he made his professional debut. After spells in the Netherlands with clubs like VVV-Venlo and Dordrecht, he moved to Belgium, featuring for Beerschot and Royal Antwerp.
In 2017, Ojo moved to Scotland, signing for Aberdeen, where he spent two seasons. He later joined Scunthorpe United and then Wigan Athletic in England. Ojo is currently on loan from Port Vale at Shrewsbury Town, bringing his extensive experience to help guide the team in their League One campaign.
Writer’s View
Paul Hurst’s backing of Funso Ojo’s candid approach reflects strong man-management. In football, addressing underperformance directly can be tricky, but Ojo’s experience and leadership qualities are proving invaluable for Shrewsbury. Hurst’s open support ensures that players feel both accountable and trusted, a delicate balance that is crucial to building team unity during challenging times.
