We at Going Down The Oteley Road spoke to Andy and Iain from the LGBTQ+ Shrewsbury Town supporters group, Proud Salopians. In part two this brilliant two part interview we find out about their love of Shrewsbury Town.
How long have you supported Shrewsbury Town?
(IAIN) Since I started getting into football, which was quite late… I was about 11. I had a season ticket when I was 18 and stood on the Wakeman end.
(ANDY) Since 2005, when my friend and housemate at the time talked me into going along to Gay Meadow for something to do!
What was the first game you went to?
(ANDY) November 2005 was my first home game. Town vs Chester City (we won 3-1, scoring in the opening minute and being 2-0 up within ten mins!). My first away game was vs Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground in the same season (we won 2-1).
(IAIN) I was due to be a ballboy at an evening match (i forget which now), I think in the 93/94 season. It was pelting it down with rain and so the club put us in the stands instead of us getting soaked. I was called back to do it again just after xmas when I was stationed to the right of the goal at the Wakeman end 🙂 Was quite the experience!
Who is your favourite Town player of all time?
(ANDY) My answer will perhaps be easier to make than Iain’s, as I’ve only got 12 years to pick from! Certainly the first player who really caught the eye for me was Dave Edwards playing in that first season of my support. I did the unusual thing (for me) of having a shirt printed with his name and number on – and he promptly left! (never done that again since!), but his effort and passion for the club and the game is just fantastic so I was thrilled when he signed back for us in January. Fingers crossed he has some better luck with injuries and can stay fit and play a part on the pitch next season. More recently I was a big fan of Greg Docherty last year and Jon Nolan the season prior – I guess I’m fond of central midfielders with an engine!
(IAIN) This is so tough! I’d say for sheer entertainment value it was Luke Rodgers. He and Jemmo together were some force and his finishing was clinical. Back in the Conference days, I was the founder of the Dave Ridler Appreciation Society (DRAS), which then formed BHAS (Ben Herd Appreciation Society) when Gary Peters was in charge. More recently, Ben Godfrey, who I could not believe we managed to get on loan… just look where the boy is now!
Who is your favourite Salop manager of all time?
(ANDY) This won’t perhaps be a popular choice, but as he was ‘my first Town manager’ it has to be Gary Peters. That team between 05 and 07 in the last seasons at the owd Meadow wasn’t anywhere as technically competent as some we’ve had since, but my word GP had them well-drilled and working as a well knit team!
(IAIN) It’s got to be Graham Turner, I mean, who else! I met him once at a charity match down the old meadow and he was such a lovely man. Shout out to Gary Peters too, though – I’ll never, ever, ever forget that night at MK Dons, as long as I live.
What has been your favourite moment as a Shrewsbury Town fan?
(ANDY) The MK Dons Play Off Semi Final Second Leg at the National Hockey Stadium, without a doubt. The atmosphere at half time taking over from the poor singer making a hash of ‘Hey Jude’, us belting it out constantly through the second half, the shaky temporary stand at the away end, Cookey’s goals… Just amazing. Truly one of those “I was there” nights!
(IAIN) I jumped the gun a bit. MK Dons away, Play Off Semi final. Total madness!
What is your favourite Salop kit?
(IAIN) Scrambled Egg. And 99-01 stripes. Iconic.
(ANDY) Home? Probably the famous ‘scrambled egg’ shirt of 92/93. Away? Has to be the MG Sportswear shirt of the last seasons at the Gay Meadow. Not terrific quality but there’s something stirring and almost iconic about red and black stripes for me!
Where do you think we will finish this season?
(ANDY) I’m forever hopeful, so I’d like to think a top half of the table finish is possible (maybe even a push for play offs) but I think it’s more important that we identify and develop a style of football and identity consistently. Personally, I’d like to see us play some nice passing football and not be afraid to attack teams rather than sit and defend and soak up pressure so much.
(IAIN) I’d take mid-table off your hands right now. Nice, calm season with no threat of going down, and some fun along the way. I’d like to see us attack, score goals, and just play some neat stuff. Not asking for much!
Why do you love supporting Shrewsbury Town?
(IAIN) It’s never dull, is it… Seasons like the one under Paul Hurst, I guess, and the promotions under Mellon and Turner. There are always ups and downs in football, but when you get those successes it makes it all the more bearable!
(ANDY) Honestly? I don’t know. I don’t think a lot of people know why! Personally I was bitten by the bug standing on the Wakeman Terrace, watching footballers who fought and played for the shirt, in an old and decrepit arena but with those surroundings who couldn’t fall in love with it! But in the years that have followed we’ve moved away from all of that, and even now (and in the intervening years, on terraces like at Saltergate losing 4-1 [that McIntyre goal though!!] in the driving rain, snow and hail) I still love the club with every fibre of my being. So I don’t really know what it is that keeps me coming back (it certainly isn’t success!) but I certainly wouldn’t change it for the world!
Huge thanks to both Andy and Iain for taking the time out to speak to us. Be sure to follow Proud Salopians on social media, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/salopianpride , https://mailchi.mp/5ec38c535a7f/proudsalopians to join the mailing list and on Twitter at @salopianpride
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