We’ve been lucky enough at “Going Down The Oteley Road” to speak to some ex Shrewsbury Town players, this week we spoke to a Superman and someone who lit up the Gay Meadow touchlines, Super Sam Aiston.

How did it feel making your debut for Shrewsbury Town in 2000 on loan from Sunderland?

Can’t remember much about it. Think it was Macclesfield. Remember thinking that they were a great bunch of lads.

What did you think when the move was made a permanent one?

I was excited. Kevin Ratcliffe had high hopes and made me feel wanted. To move to a new area permanently was a big step but I can’t remember being nervous about it. I knew there was a decent set up and I really liked the town.

Over 5 years with Town you scored a few goals, do any stand out as special goals?

I never scored as many as I should have. Remember a great goal away at a Lincoln. It was like Maradona’s great goal v England in ‘86! Or that’s what I tell people anyway.

What was it like playing at Gay Meadow?

Loved it. Loved the mud. Loved playing on the Riverside where the fans used to give me so much support! Brought out the best of me although sometimes it got me too wound up.

What do you think it was that made the Salop fans connect with you?

I hope it was more than the fact I’d had a pint with most of them. I think in football the one thing a fan wants to see is the player giving 100%. I believe I did that. Fans like to see people taking others on and being direct- it’s what excites supporters.

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

Tough one. Obviously played with a young Joe Hart and an old Ian Woan who were brilliant in their prime. Luke Rodgers had a season when he was destroying defenders. Probably have to say Joe.

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

Peter Beagrie. He was getting on when he played for Scunthorpe but he was the only player who skinned Mossy a few times.

You played in some important games for Salop, which was the most memorable for you?

Would have to be the play off final. To go straight back into the league was a big achievement. We were a bit lucky but made it just.

Who was your favourite manager you played under at Shrewsbury?

All had strengths. Loved when Chic was caretaker because I always got on so well with him. Had disagreements with all at some point but that was more down to me than them!

What made you decide to be a midfielder?

As a youngster I played in loads of positions. Because i was quick I was always going to get put out wide. It’s not really a choice that the players make.

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

We had loads. We had loads of young lads in their early 20s who were determined to have fun. We all got up to all sorts. Dunbavin was probably the funniest for practical jokes. Luke Rodgers was harsh but funny. Most of the lads I’m in touch with now were the funniest: Jamie Tolley, Gav Cowan were great value on a night out. When we got promoted from the conference the biggest joker in the dressing room was Dave Cooke- the assistant manager!!

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

Love Shaun Whalley. Played with him at Wrexham. Works so hard, takes people on and is exciting to watch.

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

Mid-table.

What football team do you support?

Shrewsbury and Newcastle. Although I’m supporting Plymouth and Telford at the moment because my mates are managing those.

Who was your favourite player as a child?

As a kid it was Gazza. Every kid born in Newcastle loved him. Sad to see him now.

Why do you love football?

I love the passion from the fans. I love taking my kids to the match and seeing the excitement in them when there is a goal. These are the things that make it great. There’s lots of stuff I don’t like about modern football – diving and play acting are top of that list.

Huge thanks to Sam for chatting with us 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”

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

Ahead of the Shropshire Senior Cup Final against Whitchurch Alport, we had a chat with an Alport fan.

What’s your name?

Nicola Field.

Where are you from?

Whitchurch.

How long have you supported Whitchurch Alport?

Supported them since I was about 8 so a good 20 years and I’ve played for the ladies team for a good 15 years.

Who is your favourite ever Whitchurch Alport player?

Two favourite players. Wes Newton an ex goalie if there was any free kicks he was your man to take them. Now it’s got to be the skipper Darren Campion ‘Camps’ the passion and love this guy has for the club. Quality!

Who is your favourite ever Whitchurch Alport manager?

Favourite manager has got to be Luke Goddard, what he has done to this club in the last 3 years is unbelievable! Seeing big changes around the ground, seeing the amount of support around the town and coming through the gates to support Luke and the lads is fantastic.

Who should we watch out for from the current Whitchurch Alport team?

Local lad and fans favourite Alex Hughes, quality player and knows how to hit the back of the net!

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

Well so far so good for the lads. Who knows what will happen this season but I’m backing the lads 1000%, so let’s go for the win and promotion.

What do you know about Shrewsbury Town?

Well as I support your local rivals it’s quite a hard question but I think Shrewsbury have got an amazing set up and a good team and I wish them all the best for the season.

What do you think the score will be?

Be a great game tonight but I’m going with 3-2 Alport win. Got to back the lads.

Big thanks to Nicola, hope you enjoy the game.

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

This weeks fan of the weeks is a young Salopian and promising footballer, Lewis Rodgers.

Where are you from?

Shrewsbury – that’s where I was born.

How old are you?

5.

What football team do you play for?

I play at Passmaster coaching with coach Tom and coach Steve.

What position do you play?

Striker.

How long have you supported Shrewsbury?

Not very long.

What was the first game you went to?

Shrewsbury v Oxford, last season. The score was 2-3.

Who is your favourite Shrewsbury Town player?

Dave Edwards, number 4.

What do you like about going to watch Shrewsbury?

I like seeing them score goals.

What do you think of Lenny The Lion?

He’s funny because he had a kilt on at the Dundee United match.

Would you like to play for Shrewsbury Town one day?

Yes and Liverpool.

Who is your favourite footballer that doesn’t play for Salop?

Bobby Firmino.

Where do you think we will finish this season?

Hopefully at the top.

Why do you love supporting Shrewsbury Town?

Because they are my favourite team and I am from Shrewsbury.

Massive thanks to Lewis 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”

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We take a look back at what happened over the past seven days in the wonderful world of Shrewsbury Town.

MONDAY – It was announced that Jason Cummings was declared Man Of The Match against Wimbledon.

TUESDAY – Southend travelled to Shropshire and played their part in a entertaining 4-3 win for Salop. Scoring for Town were Beckles, Cummings, Norburn and Lang.

WEDNESDAY – Llarni Bates, daughter of Town legend Chic Bates announced a fundraiser where she will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Dementia.

THURSDAY – Sam Ricketts spoke to the media ahead of the Rotherham game, saying “We’ll have to be ready to match the competitive nature of the game.”

FRIDAY – The clubs safety officer Lawrence Ellerby spoke about the report on the rise in football banning orders, “I think the figures are a reflection on a significant police investigation after the game at home to Wolves last season.”

SATURDAY – The Town travelled north to play Rotherham United and came away with a great away point against the recently relegated Millers.

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

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We spoke to some Salop fans to see what they thought of yesterday’s 0-0 draw against Rotherham and we asked who the Man Of The Match was.

Robert Hartshorne – “Calm down good point away”

Gareth Davies – “Very good point there”

John Kramer – “I thought there were a few candidates, but I’m going with Ebanks-Landell.”

Ross Jones – “Man Of The Match O’Leary”

Richard Davies – “Done well to get a point there!”

Brian Maddocks – “Good point away”

Peter Kindness – “Good away point, defence was very good today, Omar dealt with Morris well and we kept Ladapo quiet. Thought Norburn and Laurent played well again but Man of the match for me is Max O’Leary”

Dave Sambrook – “A few contenders but I’ll go Ro-Shaun. Decent point.”

Daz Davies – “Man Of The Match, Ryan Giles and Max O’Leary”

Going Down The Oteley Road Man Of The Match – MAX O’LEARY

Congratulations to Max, next up for Salop is Whitchurch Alport at home on Tuesday in the Shropshire Senior Cup.

Daz Carding

“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 away draw against Rotherham United.

My first and my Dad’s first ever visit to Rotherham’s Stadium “The New York Stadium “. Sam Ricketts made one change for the game with Whalley starting ahead of Cummings, the 3-5-2 formation remained

The Game started off with The Shrews on the back foot as Rotherham came at us, we were a little bit sloppy and gave them too much time on the ball, Max O’leary made a very good save from Ladapo to keep it 0-0. A dive in the box from Carlton Morris to try and win a penalty but the ref waved it away which got Ollie Norburn annoyed and shouting at the former Town man. At the other end Ryan Giles run from the left beating defenders across the box smashed one that their keeper smartly saved. Whalley who was his busy self and trying to create something on his own had a penalty shout but it looked like the player stepped across him but the ref waved it away.,

The second half we seemed to play with more control of the ball and both teams struggled to create anything until a Giles cross nearly made an own goal as the defenders block just missed the post. Moments later Max O’leary pulled off a worldy one handed save to deny their winger and also keep out efforts from headers to keep the game 0-0. The referee when we had the ball and tried to attack rather than play the advantage he blew too often for free kicks ,he did the same with Rotherham it made the second half too stop start too often, a lot of soft fouls and an 84th minute drinks break upsetting the locals.

Cummings came on with 15 minutes to go but hardly got a touch then Dave Edwards and later Brad Walker also coming on. The game slowed, we seemed happy with a point and a clean sheet but we had a late counter attack with Norburn pulling up with cramp. The home fans were not happy with our time wasting in added time and we had another chance through a free kick but Goss‘ kick fell to Beckles who was flagged offside.

At times the game wasn’t the best and both teams cancelled each other out but when chances came it was both good goalkeeping and good defending that kept the score 0-0.

Max O’Leary was my Man of The Match, he pulled off some vital saves to keep his clean sheet and help the team earn a decent point away at a team who scored 6 last time out!

We are now 3 games unbeaten since the Ipswich loss and we are up to 11th, so let’s keep pushing up the table.

Up next Fleetwood at home next Saturday after I have done The Step Up Challenge thanks for the sponsors so far!

See you all there many thanks Corbin.

Thanks to Corbin for his thoughts on the game against Rotherham United.

Corbin Davies

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

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Our man who travels home and away following the mighty Shrewsbury Town Rhys Gratton, gives his views on Town’s 0-0 draw against Rotherham.

Rotherham United 0-0 Shrewsbury Town (21/9/2019)

“Shrewsbury came in to today’s match off the back of a spectacular 4-3 win against struggling Southend in midweek. There was one change to that side with Shaun Whalley coming in to replace Jason Cummings, who did appear very tired when he was substituted in midweek.”

“As the game got underway the expectation from the home fans was evident, they clearly expect their side to get out of this league at the first time of asking, as they were quick to contest every decision that went against them and got on their players’ backs after a mediocre start to the campaign.”

“It would turn out to be a game of few chances, with both teams really lacking in creativity it would appear that any goals would have to come from a defensive error, and that is where the first real chance came from, a fairly aimless long ball forward from Rotherham saw Ethan Ebanks Landell attempt to head the ball back to Omar Beckles, subsequently putting him under pressure and leading to an underhit pass back to Max O’Leary. This was charged down by former town loanee Carlton Morris and really should’ve been made more of, with the eventual cross ending up in O’Leary’s grateful arms. Salop’s best chance of the first half came when Ryan Giles broke past several Millers and put his shot just over the bar. There was also a penalty appeal from the travelling Salopians, as Shaun Whalley went down under a challenge, but in truth, it would’ve been very soft had it been given.”

“As the second half began it was clear to see that Shrewsbury were content to take a point home, with Callum Lang providing the only real outlet and attacking spark. The hosts didn’t really create many chances either, and bar an absolutely world class save from O’Leary off a Rotherham set piece, never looked like scoring themselves. The introduction of Cummings didn’t have the impact many had hoped or even expected it would, as he failed to get any service from a now very defensive Shrewsbury team.”

“Overall it was a fair result, with boos from the home fans at full time signalling their discontent at their teams indifferent start to the season. After a resolute display my man of the match is not who I initially thought it would be, but upon review it goes to Max O’Leary, for some fine saves to keep us in the game, and one outstanding stop in particular.”

UP THE SHREWS!

Rhys Gratton

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

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Ahead of today’s League One game against Rotherham we asked fans what they think the score will be.

Terry Phillips – “Rotherham 3-1 Shrews”

Val Harvey – “I will never put my club to lose like some, 4-1 Shrewsbury.”

Neil Thomas – “2-1 last minute winner“

Daz Davies – “Revenge is sweet ,3-0 winners UTT”

Gary Howorth – “Five nil to Town.”

Kevin Riley – “2 – 0 Shrews”

John Reece – “3-3”

Kaz Harvey – “2-0”

Jim Scuffham – “1-1”

Sarah Dillow – “3-1”

Gareth Davies – “2-1 town last minute winner”

Rob Jones – “4-1 Rotherham”

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

Rob Leah – “2-1 Town COYB”

Martin Hughes – “2-2”

James Evans – “If we’re going to win we need to defend better than we did Tuesday night. Town win 2-1”

Jason Leonard – “1-0 Salop! COYB”

Gareth Davies – “3-0 Morison hat trick”

Richard Vernon – “2-1”

Fabien Holland – “2-1 Town, Cummings and Lang to score again”

Emma Williams – “3-1”

Daniel Bishton – “1-2 Town. Cummings and a late Udoh winner”

Pete Jones – “3-1 Rotherham (unfortunately)”

The odd draw predicted and a few think we may lose but the majority of the Salop fans are thinking we will leave Rotherham with a win.

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 away at Rotherham United, we had a chat with a Millers fan.

What’s your name?

Ian Willoughby.

Where are you from?

From the East Dene area of Rotherham.

How long have you supported Rotherham?

I’ve supported Rotherham all my life, 33 years. First game as a 9 year old was against Brighton at Millmoor. We won 1-0.

Who is your favourite ever Rotherham player?

Shaun Goater because when I was a kid he just always seemed to score when it mattered. Either him or Walter Ardron because he was my great Grandma’s brother.

Who is your favourite ever Rotherham manager?

Ronnie Moore. Legend as a player and won two consecutive promotions as a manager.

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

I’ll go for Ben Wiles our number 8. He’s been on fire lately, and he’s one of our own having come through the youth ranks.

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

In an ideal world I’d love to see us go up. I’d be happy with a playoff spot, we’ve not had the best start results wise but plenty of time still left.

What do you know about Shrewsbury Town?

Err….we’ve beaten you twice at Wembley. Sorry! Other than that not a great deal. Your former manager Paul Hurst is also a bit of a Millers legend too!

What do you think the score will be?

I’ll go for a 3-1 Millers win.

Big thanks to Ian, hope you enjoy the game.

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

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Sam Northwood previews tomorrow’s home League 1 game against Rotherham United.

Following on from Tuesday night’s win against Southend, Town will travel to Yorkshire to face Rotherham United who have already beat Town this season.

Last time the two clubs met was only last month with Rotherham coming out 4-0 winners in the Carabao Cup. It was a weakened and young Town side who struggled to get going after being 2-0 down after 2 minutes. We are all hoping for a better start this time round. The last time Town played at the New York Stadium will be memorable for all supporters, Stefan Payne scored a last minute winner to send the Shrews 4 points clear at the top of League One.

Rotherham’s biggest strength is no doubt their strikers. They normally play with three strikers with ex Shrewsbury players involved. Carlton Morris will lead the line for the Millers and has scored 2 goals this season both against Bolton. He was an unsung hero for Town two season’s ago and will get a good reception from the traveling Shrews fans. Also ex Shrewsbury duo Freddie Ladapo and Kyle Vassell will hope to secure 3 points.

With Jason Cummings scoring twice in as many games, Callum Lang scoring on his home debut and the return of Ollie Norburn against Southend and also scoring. Town will be full of confidence and will go to Rotherham on the front foot. The major selection dilemma for Ricketts will be who plays in the back three, with Aaron Pierre being rested against Southend, he will most likely be back in the lineup. Omar Beckles will likely be demoted to the bench even though he has had a strong start to the season.

Score Prediction: Rotherham United 2-2 Shrewsbury Town

Predicted XI’s

Shrewsbury:

O’Leary

Pierre

Ebanks Landell

Williams

Love

Goss

Laurent

Norburn

Giles

Lang

Cummings

Rotherham:

Iversen

Olosunde

Robertson

Ihiekwe

Mattock

Wiles

Lindsay

Crooks

Ladapo

Morris

Hastie

Sam Northwood

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

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