Here at “Going Down The Oteley Road” we will be speaking to fans of our opposition throughout the season.

Ahead of the today’s meeting with Blackpool, we had a chat with a Pool fan.

What’s your name?

Matt Turton

Where are you from?

Shawbury in Shropshire.

How long have you supported Blackpool?

Since i was 5 and the first game my dad took me to, i am 33 now.

Who is your favourite ever Blackpool player?

I’ve got two John Murphy and Super Brett Ormerod, they were just an awesome partnership up front for the Pool. Murphy did the donkey work for Brett but he could also find the back of the net. As for Super Brett Ormerod he got us to the Premiership and has played in all four divisions with the Mighty Pool.

Who is your favourite ever Blackpool manager?

Ian Holloway for me as he got us to the dream land, the Premiership.

Who should we watch out for from the current Blackpool team?

Ryan Hardie is the player you should look out for as he’s got a good goal scoring record and got good pace.

Where do you think you will finish in the league this season?

I think we will finish 6th in the play offs.

Who do you think is the biggest threat in the Shrewsbury Town team?

Dave Edwards if he stays fit.

What do you think the score will be?

I think the score will be 2-2.

Big thanks to Matt, but here’s hoping we are the happier fans after 90 minutes of football today.

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Sam Northwood previews tomorrow’s away League 1 game against Blackpool.

After a good win against Coventry on Saturday, Town will travel to Blackpool hoping to get in grasp of the play offs.

Last time the two clubs met was last season when it finished 0-0 at Bloomfield Road which was a less than memorable game.

Town will be hoping to continue their decent run of form. With games now approaching thick and fast, Town will want to go on a consistent run with the majority of the squad will be needed at some point. Callum Lang could be back soon after Christmas which is a major boost. Rumours going round that Greg Docherty could be making a return so it’ll be interesting to see how much we will improve if he comes in.

Blackpool currently sit 5th in the table, 5 points ahead of Shrewsbury but will be a 2 point gap if Salop win here. Blackpool are unbeaten since early October in the league so it will be a tough test. I believe it will be another close and gritty game with 1 goal making the difference.

Predicted XI’s

Shrewsbury Town:

O’Leary

Ebanks Landell

Pierre

Williams

Love

Laurent

Norburn

Edwards

Golbourne

Cummings

Whalley

Blackpool:

Alnwick

Feeney

Tilt

Turton

Edwards

Husband

Virtue

Spearing

Deflfouneso

Kaikai

Gnadnuillet

Score Prediction: Blackpool 0-1 Shrewsbury Town

Sam Northwood

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

This weeks Fan Of The Week is exiled Salopian, Paul Davies.

Where are you from?

I am from Shrewsbury but now live in Barry, Wales and still try to get to as many games as I can. Even though a home game is a 250 mile round trip.

How long have you supported Shrewsbury?

I started going to matches regularly in the 78/79 season, but have been a fan since 74.

What was the first game you went to?

My first game was an away game at Chester at Christmas in 1974, I think we drew.

Who is your favourite Town player of all time?

My favourite player would have to be Colin Chopper Griffin. One hell of a defender who knew how to tackle, which is where the nickname Chopper came from.

Who is your favourite Salop manager of all time?

My favourite manager has to be Graham Turner for those memories from the early 80’s.

Which do you prefer Gay Meadow or Montgomery Waters Meadow?

That’s very easy it has to be the Gay Meadow. First for the atmosphere, in easy reach of train and bus stations and because we used to enjoy a good pint or two within easy reach of the ground.

What has been your favourite away game?

It just has to be Exeter away in 2000 when Mickey Brown scored to secure our status in Division 3.

What has been your favourite moment as a Shrewsbury Town fan?

My favourite moment was being present when we beat Exeter 4-1 in 1979 to be crowned champions of Division 3.

What is your favourite Salop kit?

An easy choice, just look at the photo it has to be the kit from the early 80’s.

Where do you think we will finish this season?

I believe we will finish 5th and win promotion via the Play Offs.

Why do you love supporting Shrewsbury Town?

I was born in Shrewsbury and although I left there 25 years ago due to work, it will always be my home and will always be the club that I will support, no matter how good or bad they are doing. I live 125 miles away and have two big clubs on my doorstep (Cardiff and Swansea), but my heart will always be with Shrewsbury Town.

Massive thanks to Paul for answering our questions and for being this weeks fan of the week. If you fancy becoming a fan of the week just drop us a message on either our Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/GoingDownTheOteleyRoad/ or on Twitter @GDTORsalop

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

We asked the Salopian super fan, Bizzy for his thoughts on our home League One game against Coventry City.

“Have your ever seen ya granny making water down by the owd mill stream, she can piss for a hour and a quarter and ya canna see ya arse for steam.”

“Fans in a festive mood in the boozers pre game, owd mallet dressed as santa giving sweets away top lad.”

“Lost count of how many times I’ve said its a tale of two halves but yet again it was the case vs Coventry who have undoubtedly the best strip in League One. A very laboured first half and far to cautious for my liking inbetween the tedious fayre before my eyes there were little spurts of good football and again the main instigator was Mr Josh Laurent, he’s turning into the rolls royce of the Salop squad and could easily play Championship level given the chance and was instrumental in most of Towns creative play.”

“But the system wasn’t suiting Town and I really felt for Fejiri upfront, he was so isolated and to be honest lightweight at times , you canna fault the lads effort though he never stopped running or chasing. Town just went to sleep for the Coventry goal but to be fair we are due a lapse or two as the defence has been outstanding of late.”

“Mixed game for Davey Edwards, involved in some nice play with Laurent but didnt do enough going forward, Norbs another who struggled and Goss had one of those days you forget, couldn’t argue with the first half scoreline Coventry were the better side to be fair.”

“Introduction of everyones Salop hero Shaun Whalley on for Goss was was inspirational from Mr Ricketts, he gives everyone around him a bit more hunger and passion. We were like a different team after the break, looked more threatening as a cracking ball was played into Love but too much weight on the ball great thinking though. On the hour Giles got on and played left wing, bloody great to see Salop going down the flanks and hurting teams, call me owd fashioned but love watching teams with wingers. Surely we can accomdate both Goldbourne and Giles into the same eleven. Scrappiest goal of the season goes to Golbourne for the equaliser and Salop were looking dangerous everytime we go forward helped by Coventry’s open style of play, we seem to perform against footballing sides when we want too as we have the players to hurt sides too its just using them effectivley.”

“Another inspired sub with Cummings on for Fey who was instrumental in the winner, the most fans have gone mental down the meddah in ages. Whalley capping a Man Of The Match display with a cracking winner, what a player this lad can be and always seems to save his best from coming off the bench, brings something a little bit different to an otherwise predictable Salop side. Him and Giles were a pleasure to watch, great entertainment from both. On the second half alone would say Salop shaded it.”

“Blackpool will be a similar type of game but I can see Sam reverting back to 5 at the back, Whalley to start and bring Giles on in the second half again. My prediction is going to be a tight game but we have nowt to fear, such an even division and Salop in the top half with only 3 points off a play off spot, dare we dream. But a big heads up to Samuel with his substitutions yesterday, a frustrating manager at times I know but he’s winning the fans over and I’m glad we got him as Salop boss in honesty the plus points outnumber the negative ones.”

“Im now off for my weekly clarinet lessons with owd Elsie the Snailbeach love goddess and queen of incontinence pants, its how you use ya fingers.”

“Love n jollops Biz”

Be sure to follow our resident Shrewsbury Town super fan on Twitter @Bizzylad

Bizzy

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Our young inspirational reporter and massive Shrewsbury Town fan Corbin gives us his thoughts on yesterday’s victory over Coventry City.

“It has been a while since my last report but what a game to report on Shrewsbury at home to our localish opposition, high flying Coventry, the away end was packed with over 1500 away fans. It was a cold breezy day I got to meet one of Santa’s Helpers and got a present off him too.”

“Shrewsbury started the game with a back 3 of Ro Shaun, Ebanks-Landell & Pierre, Goldbourne and Love added the width and a midfield of Norburn, Goss, Edwards and Laurent with Fejiri up top. The first half struggled to come alive with too many wasted passes from Shrewsbury as we seemed to struggle with the conditions, Coventry looked more lively trying to hit us fast and hard neither goalie had a save to make with very little happening for either team, then on 26 mins Coventry’s number 8 ran down the right before crossing a long ball into the box and it was headed back across goal beating O’leary Coventry 1-0. Shrews huffed and puffed but couldn’t get any telling balls to cause a danger apart from a tame shot on target from Fejiri and a deflected Pierre shot that went wide. Half Time 1-0 to the visitors.”

“A change at the start of the second half Whalley on for Goss and straight from the off we looked a lot more dangerous going forward. Whalley was playing all over the pitch first on the left working well with Goldbourne then on the right trying to influence the game, a tactical switch by Sam Ricketts taking off Ro Shaun for Giles and moving Goldbourne to the left of a back 3.”

“We started looking more of a threat and from that midway through the 2nd half we won a few corners. Whalley crossed the ball and there was a scramble in the box it fell at the feet of Goldbourne who at the back post prodding the ball home for 1-1. Coventry tried to hit us on the break as we moved forward with more purpose and they missed a glorious chance when they were clean through much to the delight of the crowd.”

“A final change saw Fejiri go off for Cummings with about 10 mins to go, then dramatic scenes in the 91st minute from a Coventry attack we cleared the ball to halfway with all 3 subs involved in the build up. Cummings spun his marker and ran towards the box he laid it off to Giles who beat his man to the line before crossing the ball to the far post, Whalley rushing in smashed it into the net Greg Doherty esq for 2-1 to the Town. Causing the ground to erupt and some of the fans from block 19 rushing to goad the Coventry fans, a tense injury time followed which saw Coventry create a golden chance to level with a cross from the left and a free header in the box but straight into O’Leary’s hands. The ref finally ended the agony and blew his whistle and we had won 2-1.”

“It was a game of two halves for sure today, we showed in the second half that with a little belief and getting set pieces right we could be a threat this win that takes us to within 3 points of the play offs, nearly unthinkable a few months ago when losing 3-0 at home to Fleetwood. I went home very happy singing most of the way home even time to sign 2-1 to the passing Coventry coaches.”

“My Man Of The Match is a tight one but Whalley edges it today over Goldbourne. Whalley was a game changer today coming on at half time working hard trying to create for the team, he was a constant threat and what a goal to score for your first of the season.”

“Another weeks rest for the team and we go again next weekend away at the Seaside abasing Blackpool, who are another team flying high in the table. See you all there, Corbin.”

Thanks to Corbin for his thoughts on the game against Coventry.

Corbin Davies

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Ahead of today’s League 1 game against Coventry City we asked fans what they think the score will be.

Richard Vernon – “1-0”

Craig Evans – “5-0 Salop Beckles bullet header”

Phil Davies – “Sorry 0-3”

Chris Thomas – “1-0 Salop”

Bizzy – “3-2 salop .. just gotta feeling we are in for hell of a game tomorrow”

Val Harvey – “3-1 Salop”

Terry Phillips – “Shrews 2-2 Coventry”

Thomas Wooton – “0-0”

Jason Leonard – “1-0 SALOP”

Will Smith – “0-0”

Colin Elston – “3-1 Town”

John Kramer – “1-0 Town”

Logan Clarke – “0-0 again”

Greg Cameron – “2-0 to the Salopians, into these wanks”

Steve Maden – “3-0”

Robert Leah – “2-1 Town COYB”

Gareth Davies – “2-1 Town, last minute winner”

Damon Rowe – “1-1”

Pete Jones – “2-2, exciting full of energy display from both teams”

Mixed predictions today, here’s hoping come 5pm the mighty Salop have earned 3 points.

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

@GDTORsalop

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Here at “Going Down The Oteley Road” we will be speaking to fans of our opposition throughout the season. Ahead of our League 1 game at home against Coventry City, we had a chat with a Sky Blues fan.

What’s your name?

Ashley Scorer

Where are you from?

Coventry

How long have you supported Coventry City?

Supported Coventry for about 10 years. But always looked out for them for 20 years, I used to be a Sunderland fan when I was younger as my dad and late grandad made me but I decided to support my home town club since!

Who is your favourite ever Coventry player?

Hard question, had a long and hard think and decided to pick Mo Konjic, great pride and passion for us. One of my favourite players ever.

Who is your favourite ever Coventry manager?

Mark Robins, I think the best manager we had for a long time, probably since the FA cup win in 1987!

Who should we watch out for from the current Coventry team?

Jordan Shipley, he has 4 goals and 4 assists so far, most improved player at the club this season.

Where do you think you will finish in the league this season?

I think we will finish top 6…. fingers crossed!

What do you know about Shrewsbury?

I can remember the first time I heard about Shrewsbury when they beat Everton in FA Cup. What a goal by a free kick!

What do you think the score will be?

I reckon we will get our first away win of the season. 2-1 to us!

Big thanks to Ashley, hope you enjoy the game.

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Sam Northwood previews tomorrow’s home League 1 game against Coventry City.

Town will host Coventry hoping to start and impressive run over the Christmas period.

Last time the two clubs played each other was in April last season when it finished a 1-1 draw with Fejiri Okenabirhie confirming towns survival.

Coventry currently sit 6th in the table, they have drawn 10 games so far this season. Both teams like a draw so it could turn out that way again. They don’t score many goals so both teams will rely on their defences.

Shaun Whalley could be back in contention but is likely to start on the bench if involved.

Predicted XI’s

Shrewsbury Town:

O’Leary

Pierre

Ebanks Landell

Williams

Love

Norburn

Laurent

Edwards

Golbourne

Udoh

Okenabirhie

Coventry City:

Marosi

Dabo

Rose

McFadzean

Hyam

McCallum

O’Hare

Kelly

Westbrooke

Biamou

Bakayoko

Score Prediction: Shrewsbury Town 1-0 Coventry City

Sam Northwood

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

We’ve been lucky enough at “Going Down The Oteley Road” to speak to some ex Shrewsbury Town players, this week we spoke to ex midfielder Roger Preece.

How did it feel making your debut for Shrewsbury Town?

It was a great feeling making my debut for town. Being born in Much Wenlock and brought up in Shropshire my dad and grandad used to take me to the Gay Meadow as a child in the 70s and 80s so to run out in a town shirt was a great and memorable experience

What was the highlight of your time in Shropshire?

I think captaining the side was a highlight i had a number of games as skipper so was honoured to be given that role

You played under Jake King at Shrewsbury, how was that experience?

Jake has been a massive influence on my career I learnt a lot from him. Both tactically and with his man management skills. We came in just after the team got relegated in 1997 and I really thought he stabilised the club and did a great job during his tenure.

You scored a few goals for Town, do any stick out?

I scored 3 and they were all memorable as I wasn’t a great goal scorer !!! I think the one that sticks out most was a last minute winner against Cardiff during the Christmas period in 97.

Who was the best player you played with in Blue and Amber?

I thought Paul Evans was a great player he had great quality I also managed Luke Rodgers and he was a real handful

Who was the best player you came up against for Shrewsbury?

Nobody stands out from memory but the best in terms of what they had achieved in the game would have been Peter Beardsley when he was at the end of his career at Hartlepool

What made you decide to be a midfielder?

I started as a full back when I did my apprenticeship at Wolves and Coventry then played as a winger at a Wrexham it was when I moved to Chester that I was converted into a central midfielder.

Who were the biggest influence on your career?

My mum and dad were the biggest influences in my career they were the ones that kept encouraging me and being there during the low periods. Professionally I’d say Jake king and current town assistant manager graham barrow who was responsible for moving me into midfield when he managed me at Chester

Who was the biggest joker in the changing room at Shrewsbury?

We always had a good spirit in the dressing room. Dave Walton was unintentionally amusing while Luke Rodgers was very much the joker and I think we’ll leave it there !!!

How has it been transitioning from a player to coaching?

It was hard trying to juggle playing and coaching for me at Shrewsbury, I was trying to compete for a 1st team place whilst looking after 15 or so youth team players. I really enjoyed the challenge and I think I did the best I could.

Which players from the current Town squad do you like the look of?

Unfortunately due to family commitments I haven’t had the chance to watch Town for a few years so can’t answer that I’m afraid . However I grew up wit Ryan Barnet’s dad so hoping he can breakthrough this season.

Where do you think Shrewsbury will finish this season in League One?

I think they have had a promising start so really hope they can get into the playoffs, if they can be consistent I think that’s achievable

What football team do you support?

I followed Town and the Wolves and was lucky to go and watch both play regularly when I was a child but I supported Liverpool and that’s stayed with me !!

Who was your favourite player as a child?

Kenny Dalglish he was brilliant.

Why do you love football?

That’s a hard one but I think it’s the unpredictability the game brings along with the passion supporters have for the game.

Huge thanks to Roger for chatting with us about his time at Shrewsbury and for bringing back some great memories from years gone by.

For more content like this keep an eye on our our Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/GoingDownTheOteleyRoad/ and on Twitter @GDTORsalop

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

This weeks fan of the week is exiled Salopian, James Mendelsohn.

Where are you from?

Grew up in Craven Arms. Now live in Manchester.

How long have you supported Shrewsbury?

Since 1996.

What was the first game you went to?

Town against Oxford away in 1996, it finished 6-0 to Oxford. Can’t believe I ever came back.

Who are your favourite Town players of all time?

Toss up between Luke Rodgers,the star when I first started watching Town and Greg Docherty. I’ve always had a soft spot for Rangers too. Also Joe Jacobson, I’m Jewish, and loved the fact we had one of the very few British Jews to play professionally.

Who is your favourite Salop manager of all time?

Still Paul Hurst, in spite of everything.

Which do you prefer Gay Meadow or Montgomery Waters Meadow?

Gay Meadow had a bit more atmosphere and history. More convenient location too.

What has been your favourite away game?

When we beat Stoke away 3-2. One of our all time great FA Cup results and only the second time I’ve ever seen us win away.

What has been your favourite moment as a Shrewsbury Town fan?

Again the Stoke City away game. Alternatively, the Everton FA Cup game, though I didn’t watch that one live.

Where do you think we will finish this season?

Mid table.

Why do you love supporting Shrewsbury Town?

Keeps me connected to my roots and makes me a bit different, most people in Manchester support City or United.

Massive thanks to James for answering our questions and for being this weeks fan of the week. If you fancy becoming a fan of the week just drop us a message on either our Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/GoingDownTheOteleyRoad/ or on Twitter @GDTORsalop

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/