This season we will be talking to a Salop fan each week about their love of Shrewsbury Town, this weeks Fan Of The Week is Martin Wall.

Where do you live?

Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire.

How long have you been a Salop fan?

Salop fan since I moved to Shropshire in 1997.

How did you become a Shrewsbury Town fan?

It was my local side in the doldrums of Division 3 as it was called back then. My local school was distributing out tickets for the up and coming games so snapped up tickets for Hartlepool.

Who was the first Town player you became a fan of?

David Edwards was the my all time favourite but first I took a real liking to was Steve Jagielka god rest his soul and then Darren Moss back in 2001. Moss was a very raw talent and so committed to the cause.

What has been your favourite season as a fan?

2017-2018 was fantastic for so many reasons but as an exile felt hard at times. For me personally because I was at nearly every match would be the last season at the Gay Meadow where we reached the play off final before losing to Bristol Rovers. A close second would be the conference promotion winning season. Every time we went somewhere we were the main attraction and some memorable games against the likes of Hereford, Chester and Telford. Plus you can’t forgot the highs and lows of that day in Stoke!

Where do you usually sit at Montgomery Waters Meadow?

For a season I sat in block 9 but as fans got used to where they wanted to sit to generate the best atmosphere then it’s block 18 near enough to away fans for the banter!

If you could pick an alternate song for the team to run out to, what would it be?

Catch Us If You Can is the only one I would have, any other just wouldn’t feel the same.

Who is your Shrewsbury Town Hero?

As mentioned before David Edwards. A fan, local lad, played for the away supporters and came up through the youth system so you knew you were always going to a get a fully committed game as he’s been on the other side where we are. Such a gentleman on and off and the desire to reach the highest level. Not many people can go to Wolves and come back a hero. Only a certain Turner did that alongside him.

How do you think Salop will do this season?

Salop I predicted early on would be potentially a top 6 finish but as preseason drew to a close the squad isn’t where I thought. A very strong first 11 but back up is needed. Would be happy with 12th which would be our second highest finish in League 1 since the new format.

Who of the current squad do you think is one to watch for this season?

Ogbeta is an a obvious one if we can keep him but a massive shout for Daniel Udoh who may surprise many Town fans. I think there’s more goals to come from him and if he gets 10 plus that’s a decent return and improvement on previous seasons. 4 in 3 during pre season suggest he now has some confidence and playing alongside an experienced player in Bowman will help support his progress this year.

If you could bring back one ex Town player, who would it be?

From the current players still playing it would be Jon Nolan. We have been crying out for a number 10 to link up our play, he was so composed in the middle could spot a good pass to bring in our wide men and dictated most of our attacks during his season with us. Also had an eye for goal.

Three words to describe why you support the Town?

Dream the unthinkable.

Massive thanks to Martin 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/

Salop fan Rhys Gratton is back and reviewing Shrewsbury Town games he attends, here’s what he thought of Salop’s Carabao Cup First Round game against Lincoln City.

“A warm night in Shropshire saw Town take on last season’s playoff runners up Lincoln City in a competition that hadn’t yielded a victory since 2016, where they fell to then-Premier league outfit Sunderland in round two, having defeated championship Huddersfield in round one. It came as no surprise then when even with the south stand closed, the stadium looked very empty.”

“There were three changes from Saturday’s disappointing defeat to Burton Albion, with Pyke, Ogbeta and the impressive George Nurse in for Udoh, Whalley and skipper Ebanks Landell, who is currently isolating having tested positive for Covid 19.”

“The opening stages saw the visitors take the early initiative, with Marko Maroši pulling off a couple of very decent saves to keep the scores level. In a cagey first half for the most part, Salop only created one clear chance, with Ryan Bowman latching onto a long ball and poking it towards the top right corner, only to be denied impressively by Imps’ keeper Josh Griffiths.”

“The second half couldn’t have started much worse for the hosts, as we found ourselves 2-0 down within seven minutes of the restart. Goals firstly from striker Tom Hopper who was first to a cross at the near post, and then a gorgeous dipping strike from long range delivered by former Ipswich midfielder Teddy Bishop. More fine saves from Maroši kept Lincoln from running away with it, but there was no real threat of a Salopian comeback. That was until the introduction of Daniel Udoh. He instantly transformed the front line with his pace and energy and within minutes he had the ball in the net. After Lincoln failed to clear a wicked cross from Ogbeta, Udoh bundled the ball home from a few yards out. Not the prettiest goal you’ll ever see, but they all count as they say. The fightback was on. Ten minutes later it was complete and it was that man Udoh again, this time it was far more impressive. After shifting the ball away from a City defender, he turned into half a yard of space on the edge of the box and placed the ball brilliantly into the bottom corner with his left foot.”

“With little over ten minutes remaining, it was going to be a nervy few minutes before the likelihood of a penalty shootout. However, a goalmouth scramble in the Lincoln area seemed certain to have resulted in the ball crossing the line, but despite blue and amber protests the match officials didn’t view it that way and play continued. The remainder of the match played out without much incident, other than a couple of Lincoln corners that didn’t result in any chances. It was to be the lottery of penalties.”

“Salop took first in front of the travelling supporters, and the first three penalties were sublime. Then up stepped the scorer of the first goal, Tom Hopper. He then proceeded to blaze his effort miles over the bar. I just hope no one had parked their car in the area behind the stand. It was advantage Shrewsbury after two each and we took advantage in the next round of spot kicks, making 3-2 to the hosts after three each. Josh Vela then took what can only be described as a truly awful penalty, weak and too close to the keeper, resulting in an easy save. Thankfully his blushes were saved by Maroši with an excellent save to set up match point for Town. Up stepped 17 year old Tom Bloxham, for undoubtedly the most high pressure moment of his short career. The youngster rose to the occasion emphatically, hitting a superb penalty and setting up a second round draw for the blue amber army for the first time in five years.”

“An excellent show of resilience from the Town sees us watching the draw on Wednesday night in anticipation, with some Premier league sides entering into the competition now. My Man Of The Match is of course Daniel Udoh, who looks to finally be that lethal striker we’ve been waiting for. Onto Morecambe on Saturday now and hopefully kick-starting our league campaign.”

UP THE SHREWS!

Rhys Gratton

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

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 Carabao Cup game against Lincoln City, we had a chat with an Imps fan.

What’s your name?

Larry

Where are you from?

Lincoln

How long have you supported Lincoln City?

Too long to remember as turned 50 in lockdown! (1983)

Who is your favourite ever Lincoln player?

Gordon Hobson – had it all, trickery, goals and assists a plenty mesmerising defences.

Who is your favourite ever Lincoln manager?

Colin Murphy – Div 3 promotion 81 (stood in The Railway End with fog horn in hand!) and led the club back to League football after relegation.

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

Lincoln like to pass the ball and move the opposition and love cross balls to both full backs with Regan Poole and Tayo Edina pushing up high. Entertaining football but my heart in my mouth with passes across their own goal! New players Lasse Sorensen and Ted Bishop will attempt to dictate the midfield passing. Unsung hero and my player of last season Connor McGrandles (Jorge Grant voted!!) is my player to watch out for as his box to box and timing is impeccable. A number of players are looking to gain minutes for match fitness Lewis Montsma, Hakeeb Adelakun and Lewis Fiorini.

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

Finish in top 6 playoffs.

What do you know about Shrewsbury Town?

Lincoln beat Shrewsbury in the EFL Trophy and then they signed our Captain Luke Waterfall. Similar to Lincoln in stadium size and relegation to non league. 125 miles away and unsure if it’s pronounced “Shrewsbury” or “Shrovesbury”!

What do you think the score will be?

Score prediction 0-2 Lincoln.

Big thanks to Larry, for answering our questions.

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Sam Northwood previews tonight’s Carabao Cup First Round home game against Lincoln City.

Venue: Montgomery Waters Meadow

Competition: Carabao Cup

Time: 19:45

Head to Head: Played 48, 19 Shrewsbury Town wins, 11 draws, 18 Lincoln City wins

Town will host Lincoln City in the first round of the Carabao Cup. Last time the two clubs met was only in April when Lincoln came out 1-0 winners at the Meadow with a goal from Jorge Grant.

After narrowly missing out on promotion to the Championship last season, Lincoln have made some good signings which include Teddy Bishop from Ipswich, Chris Maguire from Sunderland, Hakeeb Adelakun from Bristol City and striker Dan N’Lundulu on loan from Southampton who scored against Shrewsbury for Southampton in the FA Cup last season. Lincoln drew their game on Saturday away at Gillingham with Tayo Edun getting the goal.

It is most likely that Steve Cotterill will try to rotate some of the players from Saturday to the best he can. It is unlikely we will see Ollie Norburn much with Cotterill hinting that Norburn could be leaving the club very soon. It might be a good time to see Tom Bloxham make a start if he has recovered from his illness

Predicted XI’s

Shrewsbury Town:

Burgoyne

Pennington

Ebanks Landell

Nurse

Daniels

Vela

Davis

Ogbeta

Leahy

Bloxham

Udoh

Lincoln City:

Griffiths

Poole

Jackson

Melbourne

Bramall

Edun

Bridcutt

Sorensen

Scullly

Hopper

McGrandles

Prediction: Shrewsbury Town 0-0 Lincoln City, Shrewsbury Town to win on penalties.

Sam Northwood

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Our young inspirational reporter and massive Shrewsbury Town fan Corbin is back at Montgomery Waters Meadow and he gave us his thoughts on our home League One opener against Burton Albion.

“Football is back and us fans are back as Shrewsbury Town started a new season in League One. I was excited from the moment I woke up, this was for real this wasn’t pre season anymore. My Dad and me were back in our Season Ticket seats in Block 18, it was so nice seeing all the old faces of fans and friends.”

“Shrewsbury lined up 3-5-2/5-3-2 with new signings Maroši in goal and Leahy on the left side of our 3 centre backs of Pierre, Pennington and our new captain Ebanks- Landell. New signing Bennett was in at right wing back, Davis Vela and Whalley in midfield with Udoh and another new signing Ryan Bowman leading the line. Ollie Norburn was on the bench with Ogbeta, Nurse, Burgoyne, Caton, Daniels and Pyke.”

“With kick off time fast approaching we all stood and cheered the team out of the tunnel and once both teams were out the whole ground erupted, stood and applauded Steve Cotterill. The game was to kick off and players on both sides took the knee with some of the crowd booing it.”

“Both sides started the game cagey but Burton probably just edged it as their right winger was causing us problems he cut inside and hit a stinging drive with Maroši stopping a top corner effort. But moments later Burton had scored from a corner, the ball traveled in the air to the back post and Burton captain Brayford headed the ball towards goal and the looping ball beat the out stretched arm of Maroši and into the net, the away end erupted followed by Salop fans regular return of fire.”

“The goal seemed to wake us up and we responded well as we moved the ball quicker, Davis drilled a shot that went narrowly wide but Burton had themselves grown into the half and worked our goalie Maroši with long distance efforts.”

“The second half saw Ogbeta on for Whalley and Nurse for Pierre and it seemed to make a difference in our play as we played very much on the front foot and kept Burtons flair players away from the ball. We were building up attacks but we seemed to lack anyone to put the ball in the net, Bowman made way for Pyke and we suddenly became a threat but Burton’s defending was brilliant. Ebanks-Landell had a goalbound header cleared off the line and Bennett shot high and wide, a brilliant save from the away keeper denied Leahy a debut goal. Matthew Pennington pushed forward and had a chance in the box from a corner but for what ever reason he didn’t shoot and tried to pass but the chance went begging. Udoh who has been brilliant missed a glorious chance in the box but somehow shot wide and Ogbeta tried a blaster which went into safe standing. Luke Leahy smashed one towards goal and their goalie saved it by tipping it over, there were a couple of rough tackles in the box and we felt we should have had a penalty but the referee waved away our claims. There were 6 minutes of time added on as we tried to grab an equaliser but it wasnt to be.”

“So the first game of the season didn’t end in a win for Steve Cotterill’s return to the dugout as we were very poor in the first half. The changes at half time took a while but we grew into the second half as Burton sat on a 1-0 lead and defended well but offered little in the second half.”

“My Man Of The Match was Luke Leahy who had very assured debut, he nearly scored a banger and created a lot that was good about us today.”

“Lincoln City visit us on Tuesday in the Carabao Cup, then its Morecambe away next Saturday and thats another ground I can mark off my list.”

“Love and peace, stay safe all. Corbin”

Thanks to Corbin for his thoughts on the game against Burton Albion.

Corbin Davies

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Following Salop’s 1-0 home defeat to Burton Albion we asked the Blue And Amber Army for their immediate reactions following the full time whistle.

Adam Rodgers – “Salop dreadful for an hour, quite lively in the last half hour creating a few goalmouth scrambles rather than clear cut chances. Pennington and Leahy the standout players for me.”

Robert Matthews – “Disappointed”

Ian Ward-Pugh – “We need some reinforcements final third. Strikers and on the flanks. Defending generally excellent.”

Robert Fox – “Very poor from Salop, need a creative midfielder, and better forwards.”

Colin Elston – “Could have played all night and still the ball wouldn’t have gone in.”

Jake Preece – “Game of 2 halves. Hammered them the second half. Draw would have been a fair result I think.”

Ian Guest – “Lack of creativity and nobody running into space created by the wide players.”

David Sims – “Need a proper centre forward.”

Elaine Marpole – “Need a striker and creative midfielder. Pierre looked uninterested.”

James Hosie – “Bennett in my opinion was man of the match. Lots of good balls into the box which the Town forwards couldn’t get onto the end of. It was a very frustrating game.”

Andy Wilson – “Pierre looked unfit, him and Ebanks- Landell.”

David Dunlop – “Bennett played well. Struggling for any other positives.”

Nick Allport – “No fire power we need more players or we will struggle.”

Martin Peleszok – “Whaley out of position. Should be on the wing.”

Ian Breeze – “Shocking first half, didn’t look match fit and second to react to everything.”

Clive Maun – “Very poor side, signings needed fast.”

Thanks to the Blue And Amber Army for their thoughts on today’s game against Burton Albion.

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Ahead of today’s home League 1 opening game against Burton Albion we asked Salop fans what they think the score will be.

Ian Bailey – “3-1 Town”

Stephen Mills – “1-0 Salop”

Daniel Davies – “2-1 Salop”

James Hosie – “1-1”

Martin Wall – “2-1 Salop, goals for Udoh & Pierre”

Anto Cooper – “2-2”

James McIntosh – “2-1 Town”

Adam Rodgers – “1-1”

Colin Elston – “Let’s do this, 2-0”

Anthony John Dyke – “0-0”

Fred Smith – “1-1”

Gary Howorth – “2-0 Town”

Peter Birch – “2-1 Town”

Paul Horvath – “There’s no question we need a bit more quality in the squad. I’m going for a draw”

Guy Rutter – “Shrewsbury 0-1 Burton, Amadi-Holloway last minute winner”

Allan Waysbvart – “Nil a piece”

Daniel Francis – “Draw”

Graham Jones – “3-0 Shrewsbury”

Andy Rhodes – “1-1”

Nick Allport – “I’d like to think 2-1 Salop”

Jake Preece – “I’m just happy to be back watching some football, whatever the outcome!”

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

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 opening game of the League One season against Burton Albion, we had a chat with a Brewers fan.

What’s your name?

Tom Jarvis

Where are you from?

Church Gresley, South Derbyshire.

How long have you supported Burton Albion?

Since I was a little kid, 5 or 6 but I can’t exactly remember.

Who is your favourite ever Burton player?

Lucas Akins, a club legend and I really hope he can get to 10 seasons with us and get a testimonial.

Who is your favourite ever Burton manager?

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in his first spell as we were really successful. I believe him and Dino Maamria can have a great season this time, we already had a brilliant second half to the season last year and I think we can build on that great momentum.

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

Omari Patrick, he signed for us in the summer from Carlisle. I think he will be great for us as he is really fast and skilful.

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

I’m optimistic we can sneak into the top six.

What do you know about Shrewsbury Town?

I know quite a lot as I’ve been to lots of Shrewsbury v Burton games in the past. I know Steve Cotterill was a great appointment for you mid-way through last season, he turned you around as well and it’s great to see him back at matches.

What do you think the score will be?

2-1 to Burton.

Big thanks to Tom, for answering our questions.

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

This season we will be talking to a Salop fan each week about their love of Shrewsbury Town, this weeks Fan Of The Week is James Hosie.

Where do you live?

Shawbury, Shropshire.

How long have you been a Salop fan?

Since the 1995/96 season.

How did you become a Shrewsbury Town fan?

Blame my Grandad it was his fault. I don’t remember my first game however I remember the Town losing on a snow covered Meadow, with an orange ball and Andy Richie was playing for Scarborough.

Who was the first Town player you became a fan of?

Dean Spink was my favourite footballer as a kid. I think he scored in one of the games I went to and that’s how I remembered his name. Plus at the time he wore his collor up like a famous Frenchman.

What has been your favourite season as a fan?

The Graham Turner promotion season without a doubt. That was special and hearing Jermaine Grandison’s squeaky song in celebration haha.

Where do you usually sit at Montgomery Waters Meadow?

Block 16 with the owd man.

If you could pick an alternate song for the team to run out to, what would it be?

Smack my bitch up, only joking. Firestarter by The Prodigy.

Who is your Shrewsbury Town hero?

Micky Brown. All round Town legend and a proper gentleman.

How do you think Salop will do this season?

Automatic promotion, I don’t fancy the play offs.

Who of the current squad do you think is one to watch for this season?

I haven’t been to any friendlies as I play in a rock band and nobody pays to watch us rehearse so haven’t seen what the new faces are like. I’d say Udoh has something to prove however I’m excited by that young kid Bloxham. Just hope he turn’s out like Roma’s Zaniolo.

If you could bring back one ex Town player, who would it be?

Grant Holt. A target man is what the Town have missed in recent seasons.

Three words to describe why you support the Town?

I love Shrewsbury.

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/

With the summer transfer window in full swing and the new season upon us, Steve Cotterill has brought in seven new faces to Montgomery Waters Meadow. Here we will introduce you to the new members of the Blue And Amber Army.

1. Marko Maroši – Goalkeeper

23 year old Slovakian goalkeeper, signed from Coventry City. Maroši signed for an undisclosed fee and agreed to a 3 year deal.

3. Luke Leahy – Defender

28 year old English defender, signed from Bristol Rovers. Arrived in Shrewsbury on a free transfer and signing a 2 year contract.

5. Matthew Pennington – Defender

26 year old centre back, signed from Everton. After a loan spell last season, signed on a free transfer after being released.

12. Ryan Bowman – Striker

29 year old striker, signed from Exeter City. Experienced goal scorer agreed to a 2 year deal with the option of a further year.

16. David Davis – Midfielder

30 year old midfielder, signed from Birmingham City. Coming back for his third spell at Montgomery Waters Meadow after being released by Town and then returning on 13th July.

17. Elliott Bennett – Midfielder

32 year old winger returns to Shropshire after a long spell with Blackburn Rovers. Bennett signed a one year deal with Salop.

23. George Nurse – Defender

22 year old full back, signed from Bristol City. Joined for an undisclosed fee after various loan spells away from Bristol City and signed a 2 year deal.

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/