Shrewsbury Town F.C.

Shrewsbury Town

Full name	Shrewsbury Town Football Club
Nickname(s)	Salop, The Blues, The Town, The Shrews,
Founded	1886 (1886)
Ground	New Meadow, Shrewsbury
Ground Capacity	9,875 (all seated)
Chairman	Roland Wycherley
Manager	Micky Mellon
League	League Two
2013–14	League One, 23rd (relegated)
Home colours Away colours Third colours

Shrewsbury Town Football Club is a English association football club based in Shrewsbury, England. The club will participate in League One for the upcoming 2015–16 season after winning promotion from League Two.

The club was formed in 1886 and has played in all the bottom three divisions in various guises since being elected into the Football League in 1950, apart from spending the 2003–04 season in the Conference. It has also competed in the Welsh Cup, winning it 6 times, a record for an English team.

For most of Shrewbury Town's history, from 1886 onwards, they were based at the Gay Meadow on the banks of the River Severn. Since 2007, they have been located at the New Meadow (known for sponsorship purposes as the Greenhous Meadow) – a UEFA Category four stadium with a capacity of 9,875.

History

Early history

Shrewsbury Town were formed at a meeting on 20 May 1886 at the Turf Hotel in Claremont Hill, Shrewsbury. This was following the demise of first Shropshire Wanderers and later indirectly after Castle Blues. The Blues were a rough team, leading to their demise after several games were marred by violence. The new team hoped to be as successful but without the notoriety. Press reports differ as to the date the new club was formed, The Eddowes Shropshire Journal of 26 May 1886 reported the birth of the club at the Lion Hotel, Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury. The Shrewsbury Chronicle reported the club's being formed at the Turf Hotel, Claremont Hill, Shrewsbury. It may be both accounts are true, with a get-together at the Lion being finalised at the Turf.

After friendlies and regional cup competitions for the first few seasons, Shrewsbury were founder members of the Shropshire & District League in 1890–91, later admitted to the Birmingham & District League in 1895–96. Many of the teams Town faced in the early days have vanished, however Shrewsbury met many of today's Football League and Conference teams, including Crewe Alexandra, Coventry City, Stoke City, Kidderminster Harriers and Stafford Rangers.

In 1910, Shrewsbury looked to move to a new ground, having spent early years at locations across the town, notably at Copthorne Barracks west of the town. The club moved to Gay Meadow on the edge of the town centre, within sight of Shrewsbury Abbey, and stayed 97 years.^[1]

Shrewsbury's Birmingham League days were mostly mid-table, with a few seasons challenging near the top, the club being league champions in 1922–23.

A move to the Midland Champions League in 1937–38 saw the club enjoy one of its most successful seasons, winning a league and cup treble. Shrewsbury were league champions, scoring 111 goals . In addition, the Welsh Cup was won following a replay, the team enjoyed a run in the FA Cup, and won the Shropshire Senior Cup.

After a run of good seasons in post-war years, Shrewsbury were admitted to the old Division 3 (North) of the Football League in 1950, after being Midland League champions in 1949–50.

Football League history

Shrewsbury Town were elected to the Football League Division 3 North for 1950–51 following the decision to expand from 88 to 92 clubs. Shrewsbury were then promoted to the Third Division in 1958–59. They remained in the third tier 15 years, slipping back to Division Four at the end of 1973–74.

1960–61 season saw Shrewsbury Town reach the Semi Final of the League Cup. After beating Everton (then the biggest club in the country) in the Quarter Final they narrowly lost 4–3 on aggregate to Rotherham United. This era was also remembered for Arthur Rowley. He arrived from Leicester City in 1958, the club's first player/manager. During his playing and managerial career, he broke Dixie Dean's goal-scoring record, scoring his 380th league goal against Bradford City at Valley Parade on 29 April 1961. Retiring from playing in 1965 he remained manager until July 1968.

Shrewsbury were promoted to the Third Division in 1974–75 as runners-up, before another successful season in 1978–79, when they were league champions under Ritchie Barker and later Graham Turner. Over 14,000 fans packed Gay Meadow on 17 May 1979 to see Shrewsbury seal promotion with a 4–1 win over Exeter City.
In addition, the club had their best ever FA Cup run.

The most successful manager is Graham Turner, who won the Third Division Championship in 1978–79 – his first season in charge and took the club into the Second Division for the first time. They remained for ten years, although Turner departed for Aston Villa in 1984.

1980s & 1990s

The club enjoyed some great times in the FA Cup in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Shrewsbury repeated their 1979 feat of reaching the quarter-final in 1981–82. The fifth round game was particularly memorable, as Shrewsbury were drawn to face UEFA Cup holders Ipswich Town for the second year (Ipswich previously winning 3–0 in a fifth round replay). Ipswich were one of Europe's top teams. Shrewsbury won 2–1 with goals from Steve Cross and Jake King, Mich D'Avray scoring for the visitors. Following this win, Shrewsbury faced Leicester City at Filbert Street in the quarter final. With the game 2–2 at half time, Shrewsbury were 45 minutes from a semi-final appearance, but Leicester, having used three goalkeepers and including a young Gary Lineker in their line up, eventually ran out 5–2 winners.

The 1980s saw many big teams defeated by Shrewsbury, whose period in the old Second Division coincided with some of the current Premier League clubs. During the 1980s, Fulham, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United and Chelsea lost to Shrewsbury Town. Middlesbrough were defeated at Gay Meadow at the end of 1985–86, Shrewsbury winning 2–1, relegating Middlesbrough, who went out of business and almost out of existence. The match was marred by violence from Middlesbrough fans, with many of them later having to return to Shrewsbury for court appearances.

In the early to mid-1980s the club enjoyed its most successful Football League run. Shrewsbury survived through the sale of players, with some to have played for Shrewsbury including Steve Ogrizovic, David Moyes, John McGinlay and Bernard McNally.

After a couple of relegation scares, Shrewsbury's Second Division life ended at the end of 1988–89 after ten years. As the 1990s dawned, the club were unable to make a quick return to the Second Division, spending the early 1990s mid-table. In the Third Division, on 22 December 1990, Gary Shaw scored the quickest Town hat trick – 4 minutes and 32 seconds – against Bradford City at Valley Parade. At the end of 1991–92, three years after relegation to the Third Division, the club was relegated to the Fourth – the first time since 1975. However, two seasons later Shrewsbury won the new (fourth tier) Division Three championship under Fred Davies in 1993–94, and remained in Division Two (third tier) three seasons. Shrewsbury were not to rise any further, remaining mid-table before slipping down again at the end of 1996–97.

The 1990s saw Shrewsbury make their first appearance at Wembley as finalists in the 1996 Football League Trophy final. Shrewsbury lost 2–1 to Rotherham United; future Shrewsbury striker Nigel Jemson scoring both Rotherham goals.

The Wembley final was the beginning of the end for Fred Davies, sacked at the end of the 1996–97 relegation season. By this time, Shrewsbury were less of a force, heading to a stale period. Dwindling crowds meant Shrewsbury didn't have the finances to compete and it was in this backdrop that Jake King arrived, following a successful reign at local rivals Telford United. A successful Shrewsbury player during the 1980s, King was well regarded by fans and the chairman, businessman Roland Wycherley. For Wycherley, the priority was to assure Shrewsbury's financial future, before increasing the club's profile and finally to ensure the club's move to a new ground. King was forced to work on one of the smallest playing budgets in the league. He worked with the club's youth set-up, bringing in promising non-league players. However, with the pick of the transfer market finding better offers elsewhere, Shrewsbury were to see out the 1990s in mediocre fashion.

Kevin Ratcliffe era

In the 1999–2000, Shrewsbury endured a poor season, with King being sacked in November as the club flirted with relegation. Former Everton captain and Welsh international Kevin Ratcliffe was appointed manager steered the club from relegation on the final day of 1999–2000. With the club facing relegation to the Conference, a 2–1 victory away to Exeter City kept the club in the league, after Carlisle United and Chester City both lost, Chester being relegated.

Ratcliffe worked on improving the side. Former youth team and reserve player Luke Rodgers emerged as a regular goal-scorer, and with big names arriving at Shrewsbury, the team looked on the up, narrowly missing the 2001–02 league playoffs despite 70 points.

At the start of 2002–03, Shrewsbury were on the up, with a youthful team strengthened by Ian Woan, Nigel Jemson and Mark Atkins. However, despite an encouraging start, league form suffered, including away defeats to Boston United, Rushden & Diamonds and Cambridge United, Town conceding 16 goals across the three matches as they remained in the bottom half of the table.

A sideshow was an FA Cup run. After dispatching non-league sides Stafford Rangers and Barrow A.F.C., Shrewsbury were at home to Everton in the third round. Town won in front of 7,800. A first-half free kick from Nigel Jemson gave Town the lead at the interval, however an equaliser from Niclas Alexandersson appeared to send the tie to a replay at Goodison Park. However, with minutes left, from a free kick by Ian Woan, Jemson heading in the cross to give Town 2–1 victory. For Shrewsbury fans, a notable point was the performance of Shrewsbury's Peter Wilding. A former Sunday League defender from local leagues, Wilding kept Wayne Rooney marked. Wilding was also one to escape criticism later.

Chelsea were the fourth round visitors, in a televised match on BBC's Match of the Day. Town lost 4–0, with Gianfranco Zola the man of the match.

A near capacity crowd of 7,950 turned up for Chelsea, but from then form disappeared. The team won just twice in the league thereafter. Jemson, who split opinions; was a scapegoat, (Jemson was once in an argument mid-match with a Shrewsbury fan), with Ian Woan another singled out, being booed off after being substituted in his final Shrewsbury appearance. That was against Carlisle United, a 3–2 defeat relegating Shrewsbury. Seven points adrift at the bottom and having conceded 92 goals, the club contemplated the end of their 53 years in the league. Following angry demonstrations from fans, Ratcliffe resigned, and Mark Atkins took temporary charge for the club final League game, a 2–1 defeat to Scunthorpe United, who were coincidentally the first League opponents for Shrewsbury Town back in 1950.

Conference days

After some speculation, Northwich Victoria manager Jimmy Quinn was appointed Shrewsbury manager in May 2003, with the aim of getting Shrewsbury promoted back to the Football League at the first attempt. For the first time in many years, Shrewsbury were seen as the 'big fish' in the league, with many experts predicting a league victory. With most of the previous year's players released, Quinn assembled a whole new squad, with experienced non-league players such as Darren Tinson and Jake Sedgemore being joined by Colin Cramb, Scott Howie and former League Cup finalist Martin O'Connor.

On the field, a new-look Shrewsbury side seemed to have the desire that the previous side lacked, but at times lacked consistency. Thrilling matches, such as a 4–1 home victory over Hereford United, were tempered by some embarrassing results, including a 5–0 away defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge and two away defeats to local rivals Telford United, both in the league and the FA Trophy. However, as the season went on, the side were able to grind out some decent results. The league title went to Chester City, but with 74 points, Shrewsbury finished third in the league, comfortably qualifying for the league playoffs, the first time the club had ever qualified for a playoff competition.

In the semi-finals, Shrewsbury faced Barnet over two legs. The opening leg at Underhill saw Shrewsbury lose 2–1, with Barnet scoring an injury time winner. Over 7,000 saw the return match at Gay Meadow, a match that was televised live on Sky Sports. Shrewsbury drew level on aggregate following a Luke Rodgers penalty. With the teams level after extra-time, Scott Howie saved a penalty from Barnet's Simon Clist, and Darren Moss scored the winning penalty, setting Shrewsbury for the Conference playoff final against Aldershot Town, at the neutral venue of the Britannia Stadium, home of Stoke City.

The final against Aldershot, on Sunday 16 May 2004 saw 19,216 fans visit the Britannia Stadium, two third of those being Shrewsbury fans making the short journey up the A53. In glorious sunny weather, the two teams played out a 1–1 draw, and after both teams blew their chance to win the match in injury time, the game went to penalties.

Striker Luke Rodgers, seemingly a banker to score a penalty stepped up, but inexplicably blasted his shot high over the bar. With Shrewsbury fans anxiously looking on, Shrewsbury goalkeeper Scott Howie earned himself a place in Shrewsbury folklore as he saved three consecutive Aldershot penalties. Shrewsbury converted their remaining penalties, defender Trevor Challis scored the winning penalty and began the celebrations, which began at Stoke, and continued in Shrewsbury for weeks. It may not have been glorious, but by sheer hard work, Shrewsbury were back in the Football League.

Return to Football League

Unfortunately for Shrewsbury, the optimism from the play-off final victory soon evaporated. An opening day 1–0 defeat to Lincoln City was an indicator of what was to come, as Shrewsbury were to flirt with the relegation places and were defeated in the FA Cup first round by Histon. In the eyes of most fans, Jimmy Quinn was not up to the job, and departed after just 14 league games, being replaced by former Preston manager Gary Peters. Peters came to Gay Meadow with a modest but at the same time impressive track record, including a spell as Preston manager during the mid-1990s, during which he signed David Beckham as a loan player. After nearly saving Exeter City from relegation in 2002–03, he resigned and was working as a scout for Everton before taking up the Shrewsbury job.

With the club seemingly on a downward spiral back to the Conference, Peters was able to stem the slide, and preserved Shrewsbury's Football League status in the 2004–05 League Two campaign. Since, Peters looked to strengthen the side, transforming the side from one that was favourites for relegation in 2004–05, to one that were seen as realistic promotion candidates. Many pundits saw Shrewsbury as relegation favourites in the 2005–06 season, but despite a poor start, Peters was able to guide the team to a tenth place finish, narrowly missing the play-offs.

Off the field, Shrewsbury, for so long one of the smallest and least-funded teams in the league, had cause to look to the future with optimism. The Shrewsbury Town board, headed by Roland Wycherley, was starting to see their policy of sound financial management pay off, with the club more solvent than many of its rivals. The recent FA cup run, subsequent fall-out from the Ratcliffe era and the solitary season in the Conference had galvanised local support, and attendances were on the increase.

And finally, after a drawn-out, and sometimes bitter planning process stretching as far back as 1999, Shrewsbury's plans to move ground came to fruition, as Wycherly ceremoniously cut the first sod of soil at the New Meadow in the summer of 2006.

Despite the departure of talented young goalkeeper Joe Hart to Manchester City,^[2] Shrewsbury entered the 2006–07 season as promotion hopefuls in their final year at Gay Meadow. However the home ground was to wreak havoc with the opening part of Shrewsbury's season, poor weather leading to the ground being flooded and several matches being called off. With several matches in hand due to the cancellations, the club were as low as 16th in the table by February 2007, but with the team going on an impressive 14 match unbeaten run, they were in play-off contention by the end of the season.

Following a 2–2 draw against Grimsby Town in the final League match to be held at Gay Meadow, Shrewsbury finished in seventh place and thus qualified for the play-offs. Shrewsbury faced Milton Keynes Dons over two legs, following a goalless draw at the Gay Meadow, they beat MK Dons 2–1 on their return fixture at the National Hockey Stadium, thus winning 2–1 on aggregate. With Andy Cooke scoring both goals.

The team faced Bristol Rovers in the League Two play-off final on 26 May 2007 at the new Wembley Stadium in front of a League 2(4th tier) play-off final record crowd of 61,589. However, despite an early goal from Stewart Drummond, Bristol Rovers were strong opponents and hit back with two first half goals through Richard Walker. A late Sammy Igoe goal made it 3–1 to Bristol Rovers, sealing their victory.^[3]

New stadium

The club moved to the New Meadow stadium for the 2007–08 season. After an encouraging early start which began with a 4–0 win away to Lincoln City, Shrewsbury were amongst the league leaders, however a 4–3 home defeat to Rochdale started an alarming nosedive in form from which the side never recovered. Following pressure from supporters, manager Gary Peters left the club on 3 March 2008 by mutual consent. Paul Simpson was appointed as the new manager on a 3-year contract on 12 March, and was able to guide the club to an eventual 18th place finish in the league. On 21 July the club announced that it had secured a deal with kit manufacturer Prostar for the naming rights of the stadium, which saw the club's Oteley Road stadium officially renamed as 'The Prostar Stadium'.

The 2008/9 season saw Shrewsbury make a successful start, with the club running amongst the leading clubs in League Two. Home form was amongst the strongest in the Football League, with the team winning an unprecedented number of games with a high goal margin, including a 4–0 win over Macclesfield Town on the opening day of the season, and a record-equalling 7–0 league win over Gillingham, the team who would eventually beat them in the playoff final. Shrewsbury progressed to the latter stages of the Football League Trophy, following a 7–0 away win at Wycombe Wanderers, and 5–0 home win against Dagenham and Redbridge until going out in a penalty shoot out against league one's Brighton and Hove Albion. However the club's indifferent FA Cup form of recent years did not improve as they lost away to a non-league side for the second time in five years, being beaten 3–1 by Blyth Spartans in the first round.

Shrewsbury's league campaign during 2008/09 was hampered by a lack of wins away from home. Despite several encouraging performances, Shrewsbury's win at their opening away match, versus Exeter City was to be their only league victory away from home for eight months, until beating Rotherham United 2–1 at the Don Valley Stadium in April. The final day of the season saw Shrewsbury lying just outside the play-off places in eighth place, behind seventh place Dagenham and Redbridge, whom the club travelled to for their final league game of the season. A dramatic 2–1 victory saw Shrewsbury snatch the final play-off place at the expense of the plucky Daggers, in only their second season of league football.

Shrewsbury faced Bury in the play off semi finals, with a then record crowd of 8,429 turning up for the opening home game, which saw Bury take a narrow 1–0 win thanks to a late own goal from ex-Shrewsbury defender Neil Ashton, who chipped the ball over goalkeeper Luke Daniels in a defensive-mix up.

Whilst Daniels was seen by some as the villain after the home leg, three days later he produced a man of the match performance as Shrewsbury progressed to their second play-off final in three years. Daniels saved a first-half penalty from Phil Jevons, however with time running out Kevin McIntyre scored a spectacular 88th minute volley to take the tie into extra time. Daniels was to keep Shrewsbury in the tie during extra-time as Bury tried to finish the game, with Shrewsbury's plight being made tougher after midfielder Steve Leslie was controversially sent off just seconds into extra time. However, with the scores 1–1 on aggregate, Shrewsbury were to convert all four of their spot-kicks in the penalty shootout, with Daniels making two saves to send Shrewsbury through 4–3 on aggregate.

Shrewsbury lost 0–1 to Gillingham in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium on 23 May in front of 53,706, with a goal in the 90th minute by Gillingham's Simeon Jackson which was seen as controversial because referee Clive Oliver gave a corner when video evidence showed it clearly wasn't.

On 30 April 2010, after a disappointing 2009–10 season, Paul Simpson was dismissed as manager of Shrewsbury Town with two games remaining.^[4] Three Caretaker managers were installed for the remaining two games, reserve team manager Stuart Delaney, youth team coach David Hughes and former club captain Mike Jackson. Shrewsbury finished a measurable 12th after showing signs throughout the campaign of at least finishing in a play off spot, even briefly challenging for the automatic spots around the New Year period. Coincidentally, performances in their last two games noticeably improved after Simpson's dismissal. Even with the absence of top-scorer Dave Hibbert during the games, the Town showed positive attacking football. A draw against Morecambe on 1 May would've even made the playoffs still mathematically possible, although taking into account other team results. The game ended in a 3–2 defeat after Kevin McIntyre's failed attempt to level it 3–3 in added time from the penalty spot. They went to local rivals Port Vale on the final day of the season and despite the circumstances, finished the season with relatively strong form. They managed a draw with Vale, the home side only managing to equalise from the penalty spot.

The Return of Graham Turner

With such previous success as player and manager of Shrewsbury Town during their heyday of the late 1970s through to 1984, at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and then at cash-strapped Hereford United as chairman and manager combined, Graham Turner returned to Shrewsbury Town, being installed as manager on 11 June 2010. He couldn't achieve automatic promotion though, and the club finished fourth at the end of the 2010–11 season. During the 2011–12 season Shrewsbury had two mini cup runs in both the League Cup and FA Cup. Their League Cup run saw them defeat Championship side Derby County 3–2 at Pride Park, and Premier League Swansea City 3–1 at Greenhous Meadow before being narrowly beaten 3–1 by the Premiership's Arsenal at The Emirates Stadium. The FA Cup run saw them dispatch Conference club Newport County and League 2 Rotherham United before being very narrowly beaten by 1–0 by the Championship's Middlesbrough at The Riverside Stadium. Furthermore, the club also went a year unbeaten at home finishing the 2011/12 season winning 1–0 over Dagenham and Redbridge from a James Collins header to achieve promotion to League One after 15 years in League Two, excluding spending the 2003–04 season in the Conference.

Return to the 3rd Tier

After a 15-year absence, Salop were promoted to League One with a game to spare, finishing in 2nd place after a home win against Dagenham and Redbridge. Despite the success, preparation for the new campaign started with concern, as five of Shrewsbury's players, all of whom were vital in Salop's promotion success and all also out of contract, were to leave in less than 2 months after sealing promotion, most only being offered 1 year contracts, which surprised many fans. This included keeper Chris Neal, centre back duo Shane Cansdall-Sheriff and (captain) Ian Sharps, central midfielder Nicky Wroe and 2011-12's 16-goal top goalscorer James Collins. However, Graham Turner was able to replace the departed players before pre season with some promising signings. This included experienced keepers Chris Weale from Leicester City and youngster Joe Anyon from Lincoln City, centre back Darren Jones from Aldershot, central midfielders Luke Summerfield (Cheltenham Town) and Asa Hall (Oxford United), utility and former Hereford duo Rob Purdie (Hereford Utd) and Paul Parry (Preston North End), Southampton youngster Ryan Doble (striker) and centre back Michael Hector on-loan from Reading.

Pre season, although naturally lacking the competition of league football, showed real promise for the new League 1 side. Shrewsbury showed great passing, movement on and off the ball and a solid defence, with stand out performances coming from the likes of Hector, Purdie (playing at left back), Summerfield and Parry (playing on the left wing).

The season itself wasn't to run quite as smoothly, and after a 4–0 hammering at Leeds United in the League Cup, Shrewsbury's first game back in the 3rd Tier was to also end in a narrow 1–0 away defeat to predicted promotion hopefuls Sheffield United, despite playing a very good game. Shrewsbury's first few months in League 1 were to be full of promising performances matched with inconsistent results. Beating Preston North End 1–0 at home matched their performances, whilst losing 3–2 to then top of the table Notts County away didn't. It soon became clear that after all the creative football, striker duo Marvin Morgan and Terry Gornell were not producing the goals needed at this higher level of football. As a result, Shrewsbury's form and passing game started to slip from the lack of points and wins, and Graham Turner's side also started to go through many changes game after game, most likely in the hopes of finding the right formula.

Shrewsbury's defence were the next to suffer in form, which began leaking many goals. After the dropping, and eventual departure, of promising on-loan centre back Michael Hector, Darren Jones was to suffer greatly in form. Jones was to be paired with a number of different centre backs, this included Shrewsbury players Reuben Hazell and Jermaine Grandison, as well as loan signings Lee Collins (Barnsley) and Julian Bennett (Sheffield Wednesday), the former making many mistakes much like his partner Jones, the latter showing some more promising performances before returning to Wednesday due to injury.

Shrewsbury's passing game also started to let them down, with the midfield finding it hard to link up with the strikers, most notably captain Matt Richards who had personally failed to match the form he showed in the season prior. As a result, by the turn of the year Shrewsbury found themselves hovering around the relegation places and still yet to clock up a single away win. Shrewsbury's form was to change considerably after knocking up their first away win on New Years Day against Coventry. This coincided with a noticeable improvement in defence, with youngster Connor Goldson finding form, promising performances from centre back loan signings Rob Edwards (Sheffield United) and youngster Yado Mambo (Charlton Athletic), and a greater attacking threat with the signing and return of Shrewsbury legend Luke Rodgers and the rise in form of goalscoring winger Jon Taylor.

The rest of Salop's League One campaign was to be blighted with inconsistency, in performances, tactics and results. Highlights included the introduction of Bolton loanee Tom Eaves. The 6'5 striker managed 6 goals in 10 games, which included an impressive hat trick at home to Crawley Town before being recalled by his parent club, most likely due to his performances. Shrewsbury ultimately managed to seal League One safety with two games to spare after a 1–0 win at home to Oldham Athletic.

Relegation back to level four, Graham Turner's reign ends

During the summer months after eventually staying up with two games to spare, it was a chance to push on and become a major force in League One. However the failure of recruiting the right calibre of player for this level led to as disappointing season. Graham Turner resigned in February after a string of 6 successive defeats and Mike Jackson took over as caretaker boss. Some highlights of the season were the two local derbies against Wolverhampton Wanderers where a new record attendance at Greenhous Meadow was set on 21 September 2013. A crowd of 9,510 saw Town lose 1–0 with a late penalty scored by Bakary Sako the difference between the teams. The return fixture in March saw Town gain a much needed point holding on for a 0–0 draw. Relegation was finally confirmed after a 4–2 home defeat against Peterborough United.

Micky Mellon era

In May 2014 ex-Fleetwood Town boss Micky Mellon was appointed first team manager. His first signings included Ashley Vincent, Nathaniel Knight-Percival and luring former forward James Collins back to the club.

Stadiums

Racecourse Ground, Monkmoor 1886–1889

Town's first ground hosted 51 matches over 3 years. The majority of these were friendlies as Town were not members of any league. Their first game was a 5–2 victory over Wellington Town on 16 October 1886 at the Racecourse Ground.

Ambler's Field, Copthorne 1889–1893

Town spent 4 seasons here and they were founder members of the Shropshire and District League started in 1890. 22 February 1890 saw town's record victory which was 18–0 against Wellington Town (Bowdler 8, Phasey 3, Rowlands 2 Gosson 3 Aston and Murphy). Town played 44 times at this ground.

Sutton Lane, Sutton Farm 1893–1895

Town played 47 times in 2 seasons at this ground and when they moved from here, they also moved up to the Birmingham League. This ground is now allotments.

Barrack's Ground, Copthorne 1895–1910

Town played here for 15 years over 300 matches against more classier opposition of reserve teams like Aston Villa and Wolves. In 1909–10 they reached the first round of the FA Cup.

Gay Meadow, Abbey Foregate 1910–2007

97 years, over 3,000 matches, 3rd and 4th tier championships, 5 time Welsh Cup winners, league Cup semi finals, Football league trophy semi finals, play off semi finals, a full conference season, 10 years in the 2nd tier and huge cup shocks. This ground saw it all but was demolished in 2007.

For many years, Shrewsbury coracle maker Fred Davies achieved some notability amongst football fans, by a unique service he and his coracle provided. He would sit in his coracle during Shrewsbury Town home matches, and retrieve any stray footballs that went into the River Severn. Although Davies died long ago, his legend is still associated with the club.^[5]

Greenhous Meadow, Oteley Road, Meole Brace 2007–present

A new stadium opened 17 July 2007, it features a 9,875 all-seater capacity in four separate stands for football.

Stands of The Greenhous Meadow

Name	Capacity
Roland Wycherley	2
West Stand	3,300
South Stand	1
North Stand	1,720

Capacity for concerts at the stadium is 17,000.

The ground has conference facilities, a function area, snack bars, licensed bars, a club shop and a restaurant. Within the stadium confines are training facilities for the club and a 5-a-side football complex which is run by Powerleague.

The first match at the stadium was 4–0 win against A-line Allstars featuring Gianfranco Zola. The first league match at Greenhous Meadow was against Bradford City.

The stadium has hosted two Football League Two play-off semi-finals:

1–1 on aggregate (aet), Shrewsbury Town win 4–3 on pens .

Torquay United won 2–0 on aggregate.

Shrewsbury's record victory at this ground is 7–0 against Gillingham on 13 September 2008.

The record attendance at the New Meadow is 10,210 v Chelsea.

England under 17's, 19's 20's, 21's and the full England Women's team have all played at the stadium leaving only the full England men's team as the only national demostic side not to grace the turf. Other notable teams to have played at Greenhous Meadow include Premier League sides Manchester City, West Bromwich Albion, Fulham and Stoke City. A Manchester United XI appeared in a pre-season friendly against Shrewsbury Town on 17 July 2011

Concerts

On Sunday 12 June 2011 one of the world's most internationally recognised musical artists Elton John took to the stage at the stadium in front of an audience of 17,000 to mark the first concert at the Greenhous Meadow.

Club colours

Shirt sponsors

1982–86	Link 51
1987–88	Wem Ales
1988–89	Davenports
1990–92	Greenhous
1992–95	WSJ
1995–97	Greenhous
1997–99	Ternhill Communications
1999-05	RMW
2005–07	Morris Lubricants
2007–09	Greenhous Redhous (Away)
2009–	Greenhous

The club's colours have always featured blue. However, blue has not always been the most dominant colour. Early kits included blue and white stripes, quartered shirts and all-blue shirts, which were worn with either white or amber trim until 1978. In 1978 Shrewsbury's most famous kit was introduced – the blue and amber stripes, which they wore as they were promoted in successive seasons, up to the old second division (now the Football League Championship). This was the design famously seen in the movie This Is Spinal Tap.

The club was not loyal to the stripes for long, and in 1982 reverted to a blue shirt, then used a blue body with amber sleeves, later reverting to an amber body with blue sleeves. In 1987 the shirts radically changed to white shirts for four seasons before reverting to stripes in 1991–92. After a flamboyant abstract pattern on the shirts in 1992–93, Shrewsbury's kits have stayed mostly blue, with amber stripe(s) of some description evident since 1999.

The shirt sponsors have, since their introduction in 1982, all been local companies. The current shirt sponsor is a major local motor dealership network, Greenhous, whom are also the primary sponsor of the stadium ^[6]

Rivals

Traditionally Walsall and Wolverhampton Wanderers have been seen as the club's major rivals. In more recent years rivalry grew with near-neighbours Hereford United – the so-called 'A49 derby' – and with Chester City, following crowd difficulties at Chester's stadium during a league match in season 2003–04 when well over 2,000 Shrewsbury fans, some in different parts of the home sections, appeared to come forward to the pitchside when a tannoy spokesmen asked "If there are any more Shrewsbury Town fans in the home section would you please come down to the perimeter so you can be appropriately relocated in the away section". A rivalry developed with Port Vale, located in neighbouring Staffordshire, after Vale were relegated to League Two in the 2007–08 season. Their first encounter in the 2008–09 season was their first encounter for at least 30 years, with Vale coming into the game having had six straight defeats prior. The fans eventually tried to get at each other after a Shrewsbury equaliser made it 1–1, and the match led to an away pitch invasion after a controversial added time winner from Vale's Marc Richards, which saw the ball deflect in off his chest as he lunged in to tackle Luke Daniels' save attempt. Many felt this was a foul and ultimately led to a badly injured face of Daniels. Every encounter since has been lively and has involved incidents with fans in and out of the football grounds. From season 2008–09 to season 2010–11 Shrews only managed three points from six matches with Vale. However, Shrewsbury finally broke the Vale undefeated streak with a 2011–12 season double, even looking likely to take 3 points in a home game that was called off in the 65th minute. Shrewsbury were promoted to League 1 at the end of the season, while Port Vale finished mid-table.

Crewe Alexandra and Kidderminster Harriers have also been popular away games, especially the former since their relegation to League Two in the 2008–09 season. Another rivalry is the Shropshire Derby against AFC Telford United which is annually contested in the Shropshire Senior Cup, although owing to Telford's lower stature in footballing terms the rivalry is not reciprocated by Shrews' fans. A former rivalry with Wrexham is also less important, with Wrexham no longer being in the Football League, and the rivalries with Chester, Hereford and Kidderminster may go the same way for the same reason.

As of the 2012–2013 season, Shrewsbury Town will host and visit Walsall, meaning the rivalry can be resumed. Over recent years Shrewsbury and Walsall have only met in sporadic cup competitions, such as the Football League Trophy, and the rivalry hasn't been as intense as in previous league encounters. Given the two teams will now meet in the league a firmer rivalry is likely to be re-established.

Staff

Club officials

As of 22 June 2014^[7]

Name	Role
Roland Wycherley	Chairman
James Hughes	Director
TJ Allen	Associate Director
M Ashton	Associate Director
R Edwards	Associate Director
D Pitchford	Associate Director
HJ Wilson	Associate Director
Malcolm Starkey	President
Matt Williams	Chief Executive Officer[8]
Jayne Bebb	Club Secretary
Jamie Edwards	Head of Community Development[9]

Coaching staff

As of 27 June 2014

Name	Role
Micky Mellon	Manager [10]
Michael Jackson	Assistant Manager[10]
Danny Coyne	Goalkeeping Coach[10]
Simon Haworth	Coach[11]
Michael Vernon	Performance Analyst[12]
Andy Hodgan	Fitness Coach[13]
Dave Ashlin	Kit Manager[10]
Christopher Skitt	First Team Physiotherapist[10]
Ian Dawes	Head of Youth Coaching[14]
Steve Reece	Academy Manager[15]
Matt Rains	Head of Academy Coaching[15]

Other staff

As of 22 June 2014^[7]

Name	Role
Dr R Wilson	Club Doctor
Jim Wentel	Club Doctor
Lenny the Lion	Club Mascot
Sean Evans	Ladies Team Manager

Players

Current squad

As of 9 April 2015.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Position Player 1 GK Jayson Leutwiler 2 DF Jermaine Grandison 3 DF Mickey Demetriou 4 MF Ryan Woods 5 DF Mark Ellis 6 DF Connor Goldson 7 MF Ashley Vincent 9 FW James Collins 10 FW Scott Vernon 11 MF Liam Lawrence (captain) 12 DF Cameron Gayle 14 MF James Wesolowski 16 MF Keith Southern (on loan from Fleetwood Town) 17 MF James Caton

No. Position Player 19 FW Andy Mangan 20 DF Nathaniel Knight-Percival 21 GK Mark Halstead 22 MF Jordan Clark 23 FW Tyrone Barnett 24 MF Bobby Grant (on loan from Blackpool) 26 FW Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro 28 FW Mikael Mandron (on loan from Sunderland) 29 DF Rhys Sharpe (on loan from Derby County) 31 DF Dominic Smith 35 MF Josh Ginnelly 36 GK Callum Burton

Out on loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Position Player 15 MF Aaron Wildig (on loan at Morecambe)

Notable former players

See also Category:Shrewsbury Town F.C. players

Record holders

Former Town player Arthur Rowley is famous for being the Football League's all-time top goal-scorer, and holds the club's single-season and all time scoring records. Mickey Brown holds the club record for most appearances, accumulated during three spells. Centre half turned centre forward Alf Wood scored 5 goals in the 7–1 victory against Blackburn Rovers in 1971 and became the first player since Dixie Dean to score four headed goals in one match.

Famous names

Several Shrewsbury players have gone onto, or came from prominent top-flight careers. These include current and former top-flight managers David Moyes, Nigel Pearson, Gordon Lee, David Pleat and Gary Megson. International stars John McGinlay, Jim Holton, Jimmy Quinn, Michael Gulla (American footballer), Jimmy McLoughlin, Mickey Thomas, Carl Robinson and Neville Southall all spent time at Shrewsbury. Doug Rougvie won the European Cup Winner's Cup with Aberdeen in 1983 and played for Shrewsbury later in the decade after a spell at Chelsea.

More recently, Premier League winner Mark Atkins spent later seasons of his career at Shrewsbury, as did Sheffield Wednesday's Nigel Jemson and former Nottingham Forest player Ian Woan. Coventry City stalwart Steve Ogrizovic was previously a Shrewsbury player. Two notable recent departees are local-born youth products, England goalkeeper Joe Hart and Wales midfielder David Edwards, both of whom have been capped at U21 and senior international levels. Edwards has since gone on play in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers and the Wales national team. Hart is currently first choice for Manchester City and is a regular in the England senior team.

Local players

In addition to Hart and Edwards, Shrewsbury have given opportunities to many young local players, who have forged successful professional careers. Bernard McNally was a local star in the 1980s, with two other local players, Kevin Seabury and Peter Wilding being fan favourites at the club in the 1990s. Veteran striker Andy Cooke was born and raised in Shrewsbury, and supported the club as a boy, but forged his career elsewhere after being rejected as a trainee. Tom Bradshaw is a recent Shrewsbury-born talent to have emerged from the Youth Team, and Mason Springthorpe of Everton transferred to the Premier League side, prior to making an appearance for the Shrews' for a figure in the region of £125,000 Several Shropshire-born youngsters now populate the new academy.

Cult heroes

In 2004, BBC's Football Focus ran polls to determine club's cult heroes, and Dean Spink was named as Shrewsbury's cult hero, ahead of Steve Anthrobus and Austin Berkley.^[16]

Managerial history

Sir Trevor Brian Evans 1886–1905. Former olympian and local man, who took over the side from the "Castle Blues" and was the first manager of the club when they became Shrewsbury Town W. Adams (1905–1912) S. Wilcox (1912–1934) Jack Roscamp (1934–1935) Stan Ramsay (1935–1936) Ted Bousted (1936–1940) Leslie Knighton (1945–1949) Harry Chapman (1949–1950) Sammy Crooks (1950–1954) Walter Rowley (1955–1957) Harry Potts (1957–1958) Johnny Spuhler (1958) Arthur Rowley (1958–1968) Harry Gregg (1968–1972) Maurice Evans (1972–1974) Alan Durban (1974–1978) Richie Barker (1978)

Graham Turner (1978–1984) Chic Bates (1984–1987) Ken Brown (1987) Ian McNeill (1987–1990) Asa Hartford (1990–1991) John Bond (1991–1993) Fred Davies (1993–1997) Jake King (1997–1999) Chic Bates (1999) Kevin Ratcliffe (1999–2003) Mark Atkins (2003) Jimmy Quinn (2003–2004) Chic Bates (2004) Gary Peters (2004–2008) Paul Simpson (2008–2010) Graham Turner (2010–2014) Michael Jackson (2014) Micky Mellon (2014–)

Club records

• Record Attendance at Gay Meadow: 18,917 Vs Walsall, Third Division (3), 26 April 1961.
• Record Attendance at Greenhous Meadow: 10,210 Vs Chelsea, League Cup 4th round, 28 October 2014.
• Record Attendance for a Shrewsbury Town match: 61,589 Vs Bristol Rovers(at Wembley), League Two Play-off final (4), May 2007.
• Record Victory: 21–0 Vs Mold Alyn Stars, Welsh FA Cup 1st round, 27 October 1894.
• Record League Victory: 12–1 Hereford City, Shropshire & District League, 20 October 1894.
• Record Defeat: 0–13 Small Heath, Birmingham League, 25 December 1895.
• Most league goals in a season
    38: Arthur Rowley (1958–59)
• Most league goals in total
    152: Arthur Rowley (1958–65)
• Most league appearances
    418: Mickey Brown (1986–91, 1992–94, 1996–2001)

Honours

• Welsh Cup winners 1891, 1938, 1977, 1979, 1984, 1985; runners up 1931, 1948, 1980
• FA Cup quarter-finalists 1979, 1982
• Football League Cup semi-finalists 1961
• Football League Trophy runners up 1996, area finalists 2003
• Football League Third Division (third tier) champions 1979
• Football League Third Division (fourth tier) champions 1994
• Football League Fourth Division (fourth tier) runners up 1975, fourth place (promoted) 1958–59
• Football League Two (fourth tier) runners up 2012; playoff runners up 2007, 2009; playoff semi-finalists 2011
• Football Conference (fifth tier) Playoff Winners 2004
• Midland League champions 1938, 1946, 1948
• Birmingham & District League champions 1923; runners up 1914, 1924, 1937
• Shropshire and District League runners up 1890–91.

References

• From Rats to riches, Mike Jones, ISBN 978-0-9548099-0-4

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Shrewsbury Town F.C..

• Shrewsbury Town FC Official Website
• Shrewsbury Town F.C. on BBC Sport: Club news – Recent results – Upcoming fixtures – Club statistics
• The Official Supporters Club
• Shrewsbury Town Supporters Trust
• Shrewsbury Town play-off record
• Shrewsbury Town Supporters Club Scandinavian Branch

Shrewsbury Town Football Club General The Club History Players Managers Current season Seasons All articles Grounds Gay Meadow New Meadow Matches 2009 Football League Two play-off Final 2007 Football League Two play-off Final 2004 Football Conference play-off Final 1996 Football League Trophy Final A49 derby

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