Everyone Is Welcome! A Positive Place For Salopians! Where Everyone’s Positivity Is Heard! Floreat Salopia
A Shrewsbury Town towel… hold on that’s not a towel!! Martin Hughes has thrown a spanner in the works as his hat with a Salop badge on has been spotted in Greece!
Keep putting those Towels out!! Post them in any of the Shrewsbury Town Facebook groups or send them into us with on Twitter @GDTORsalop or on the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GoingDownTheOteleyRoad/ and we will feature you on Where’s Your Towel At?…
Daz Carding
“Going Down The Oteley Road”
We take a look back at what happened over the past seven days in the wonderful world of Shrewsbury Town.
MONDAY – The transfer window shut with a flurry of incomings and an outgoing with a pair of attackers arriving in Shropshire, Callum Lang arriving from Wigan on loan and Jason Cummings joining for an undisclosed fee from Nottm Forest. One player left Salop with Anthony Grant heading to Swindon Town on loan.
TUESDAY – Town defender Ro-Shaun Williams celebrated his birthday but Town weren’t left celebrating after their trip to Port Vale in the EFL Trophy, Town lead from an own goal but fell to a pair of second half goals from Vale.
WEDNESDAY – A quiet day for Salop, academy manager David Longwell stated that results aside the main thing for the youth players is that they are learning.
THURSDAY – Montgomery Waters Meadow hosted England Under 20’s as they played the Netherlands in front of 2578 fans, the game ended 0-0 but Salop player Ryan Giles donned the Three Lions and had a good game. Defensive pair Arron Pierre and Omar Beckles both starred in a 2-1 win for Grenada against Saint Kitts and Nevis.
FRIDAY – The club shop began to take pre-orders on the retro 1986 Spall centenary shirt.
SATURDAY – Salop Under 18’s side ran out 2-0 winners against Salford City with a brace from Charlie Caton.
SUNDAY – Another 2-1 win for Pierre and Beckles this time against Belize whilst ok international duty with Grenada.
Daz Carding
“Going Down The Oteley Road”
This weeks fan of the week is Chris Saxton, who travels home and away following the Town. We spoke to him about his love of all things Shrewsbury Town.
Where are you from?
I’m from Wem.
How long have you supported Shrewsbury?
I’ve supported Shrewsbury for about 20 years. I was brought up by just my mum, so didn’t go to games when I was younger. But started going to Town matches when I was allowed to go to Shrewsbury on my own.
What was the first game you went to?
It was Salop V Hartlepool at the Gay Meadow. I remember it pretty well, as I remember Peter Beardsley playing for them and I was amazed that such a legend was at the Meadow. Although I cant remember the score (probably had a shandy or 2) think it was around 98/99?
Who is your favourite Town player of all time?
This ones tough as during my early days as a town fan there was the likes of Rodgers, Tolley, Aiston and Holt etc. But I’d have to say my favourite player was Richard Hope, he lived in Wem and we became good friends when he was around. Also had many nights out together.
Who is your favourite Salop manager of all time?
Again a tough one, Turner is a legend and always will be. But my personal opinion is that what Paul hurst did for us and how he turned the club around was astonishing. Getting the quality of players in that he did was on another level. So (ignoring the way he left) I think he has been our best manager.
Which do you prefer Gay Meadow or Montgomery Waters Meadow?
Gay Meadow was an old school ground with a lot of history, the atmosphere was always buzzing and had many good days there. The “New Meadow” (I still call it that) doesn’t have the same feel to it, HOWEVER I know that if we want to progress through the leagues we needed a ground like this. So for the future I think the New Meadow is better.
What has been your favourite away game?
It’s actually quite a recent one. When we played away at Crystal Palace in the cup. Ryan Woods tore them apart and it was also my daughters first game (she was 3). Highlight being that when Dwight Gayle kept fouling Woods, there was a massive chant of “w%$#er” over and over…..to which my 3 year old daughter joined in. We had to explain to her that what you hear at the football you don’t always repeat.
What has been your favourite moment as a Shrewsbury Town fan?
I have 3 favourite moments (I’m greedy), first was the Conference Play Off Final against Aldershot at Stoke, it was an incredible atmosphere. Second was getting promoted at Cheltenham and singing happy birthday to Jayson Leutweiler during our celebrations and finally my lads 8th birthday. It was the day we played Bradford in 2017 (ended up being our first loss of that season), but my wife tweeted Dean Henderson asking if he could come and see him. We had the party at the power league, Dean came and took shots at my boy and had pictures with them all. It was amazing.
What is your favourite Salop kit?
I do love the 2017/2018 kit, we all had a vote and its probably our best kit to date.
Where do you think we will finish this season?
I have a good feeling about this season, as i did 2 seasons ago. I think we’ve got a good chance to push for the playoffs, especially after watching them against Villa. I think theres a lot of positives to take and I think the back 3 in particular look very strong.
Why do you love supporting Shrewsbury Town?
Local team, does lots for the community and the kids. Theres no where I’d rather be on a Saturday afternoon, than supporting the boys at the Meadow.
Massive thanks to Chris 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”
With the success of the “Going Down The Oteley Road” fundraiser’s, which saw us raise enough money to sponsor Ro-Shaun Williams’ home kit for Corbin Davies and Mascot Package Raffle for Hope House , we thought it would only be fair to recognise and say thank you to those who donated. So we have decided to have a Roll Of Appreciation. If your name is on here then we thank you so much for your kindness and generosity.
Martin Wall
Mark Scott
Chris Lewis
Sally Wycherley
Kelly Marie
Ross Jones
Andy Garden
Dave Edwards
Alan Boon
Cal Smith
Carl Pawlowski
Adrian Brunt
Ollie Warner
Jill Francome
Jane Pittaway
Adam Rodgers
Keith O’Neil
Dale Skitt
Ali Harvey
Kenneth Lövgren
Sam Roberts
Phil Thomas
James Hosie
Tom Elcock
Matt Clements
Decima McAuley
Chris Daly
Cara Wall
Ed Morris
Chris Daly
Emma Davies
Sam Saxton
Mark Gallagher
Emily Gallagher
Carol Taylor
Gemma Lawley
Kate Harris
Dave Prince
Georgia Delves
Fi Hayward
Tracey Davies
James Hanlon
Once again a massive thank you to everyone who made it on to the Roll Of Appreciation.
Daz Carding
“Going Down The Oteley Road”
You may have read their articles on the website, but here we get to know more about them and their love of Shrewsbury Town. We had a chat with Adam Rodgers, who writes the “Looking Back” articles.
Where are you from?
Shrewsbury.
How long have you supported Shrewsbury?
I make it 28 years.
What was the first game you went to?
A 2-1 home defeat against Reading 26th October 1991. My second game a week later was far more memorable. A 2-0 win against Peterborough who had the legendary Fred Barber in goal. He used to run out wearing a Halloween mask! Used to love matches at the Meadow in Autumn when the pitch was covered in leaves.
Who is your favourite Town player of all time?
Got to be Tommy Lynch. Wholehearted no nonsense player who gave everything.
Who is your favourite Salop manager of all time?
Fred Davies, also liked Gary Peters who sorted us out when we were in a mess and got us to our first Wembley play-off final.
Which do you prefer Gay Meadow or Montgomery Waters Meadow?
Always Gay Meadow for me, lots of special memories there for me and I still really miss the place.
What has been your favourite away game?
One that springs to mind was a battling 2-2 draw at Carlisle on a Valentines Tuesday night. We were struggling at the time and Carlisle were flying high. Remember Ben Herd being controversially sent off for handball on the line. Think only about 50 brave Town fans were there.
What has been your favourite moment as a Shrewsbury Town fan?
Either winning the Conference Play Off Ginal on penalties or beating MK Dons away in the League Two Play Off Semi Finals in 2007.
What is your favourite Salop kit?
Even though it was a couple of years before I used to go to the Meadow I love the plain white shirt from the late 80’s sponsored by Wem Ales.
Where do you think we will finish this season?
I think we’re a good outside bet for a Play Off spot and the excellent win against Pompey has backed that up so I’m saying 6th.
Why do you love supporting Shrewsbury Town?
Because 28 years later, every time I go to a game I still get that same little buzz of excitement I got at the first match I went to. Only football on a Saturday afternoon can give you that.
If you fancy becoming a fan of the week or picking your All Time Salop XI, 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”
This week at “Going Down The Oteley Road” we had the pleasure of having a chat with Shrewsbury Town fan Martin Berry, who is a ground hopper who has visited all 92 football grounds in England. Be sure to follow Martin on Twitter at @martinberry17
What are the 92?
The 92 used to be the 92 Football League grounds. It is now the 20 Premier League grounds and 72 EFL grounds.
What was the first ground you visited?
First game I went to was the 1972 FA Cup Final Arsenal v Leeds United at Wembley. The first League ground was Elm Park, Reading on 29/9/1973 it finished Reading 1 Peterborough United 1.
What made you want to visit all 92 grounds?
I moved to Shropshire in 1976, used to spend Saturday afternoons watching Grandstand and the famous teleprinter. Its improved my geography of the UK. I remember thinking it would be great to visit all those places but didnt think I would ever do it. Little did I think aged 8 I would complete the 92 for the first time ten and a half years later.
Which ground has been your favourite you’ve visited?
Outside of Gay Meadow, my favourite ground whilst completing the 92 first time was Victoria Ground, Hartlepool. It was run down but had character and it struck me how important to the community the club was.
On the flip-side are there any grounds you’ve not liked so much?
Stamford Bridge, Chelsea. You were so far from the pitch. Its always been a toxic atmosphere whenever I have been there.
What are your thoughts when you see a new ground to add to the list?
I hope Salop will draw them in the Cup, failing that trying to work out how I can fit in going to the ground. Living in Essex the northern grounds cause more issues as I wont drive past Shropshire to go to a non Salop game if we are playing that day.
Do you prefer standing or seating at a ground?
Prefer standing, however my wife is starting to prefer sitting as she spends all day on her feet at work.
Have you ever considered starting to add non Football League and Premier League grounds to your list?
I’ve been going to non League football since 1983 and started watching European football in 2000. Ive been to around 300+ non League grounds and over 100 European grounds. I hope to complete all Senior Essex grounds again this season. There are over fifty of them, I have two missing Little Oakley and Holland.
How many of the 92 have you visited whilst watching Salop play?
I have seen Salop at 84 of the current 92. We haven’t played at the other eight. I have seen Salop play at 138 League grounds.
Which one ground in the world would you like to visit?
Stadio Olympico in Rome. It is a ground I have thought about going to often but never made it. I missed out on seeing a game at the Olympic Stadium in Munich, I don’t want to do the same with Rome. I have tickets for Euro 2020 Final Group game in Rome so looking forward to that.
What do you love most about completing the 92?
Travelling to places I would never have been to if it wasnt for football. I can’t believe I would know where Bury, Rochdale or Cleethorpes were without doing the 92.
Huge thanks to Martin for chatting with us about his great achievement.
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”
We asked the brilliant Salop fans if they could pick a Shrewsbury Town All Time XI, from the time they have been Town fans. Here’s Salop fan since the 1980’s, Jonny Harris’ (right in the photo) All Time XI.
DEAN HENDERSON
TOMMY LYNCH
BEN HERD
NIGEL PEARSON
BEN GODFREY
MICKEY BROWN
TONY KELLY
BERNARD MCNALLY
SHAUN WHALLEY
CARL GRIFFITHS
GRANT HOLT
Think you could pick a better eleven? 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”
Who would have thought it our brilliant club, Shrewsbury Town has fans in more places than just our shores. Today we chat to one of our Salop fans from Belgium, Bert Laeremans (on the right of the photo)
Where do you live?
I live in Belgium. Beerzel, not too far away from Antwerp.
How long have you supported Shrewsbury?
I’ve been supporting Shrewsbury for 2 years now, this’ll be my 3rd season.
What drew you to supporting Shrewsbury Town?
A friend of mine who lives in the UK is a Shrewsbury supporter. That’s how I got into it. We met through Suffolk sheep. My friend from the UK has the same breed of sheep. We met on shows and sales, and started talking football. He infected me with his love for Shrewsbury Town.
How many other Salop fans do you know in the Belgium?
2, a friend of mine and my son.
What do other people in the Belgium think of your love of a club in a small town in Shropshire?
My friends find it funny, but they do appreciate I picked a team with a history. Not a team like City or Chelsea. I support my local team in Belgium too, they are very similar to Shrewsbury.
How do you watch the games?
It’s very difficult to watch the games, so I watch mainly highlights on the internet.
What was the first game you went to?
First game I will be going to is on 26th of October, we will be playing Sunderland.
Who is your favourite Town player of all time?
I think Dean Henderson will have a very bright future, he is world class material.
Who is your favourite Salop manager of all time?
Paul Hurst for saving us from relegation, despite deserting us later on.
What has been your favourite moment as a Shrewsbury Town fan?
That moment does still have to come, when I enter the Montgomery Waters Meadow for the first time ever. So much looking forward to it!
What is your favourite Salop kit?
Favourite kit is this years. Tuffins as a local sponsor, from a real fan. Very nice to see.
Where do you think we will finish this season?
4th place. I think we could be the dark horse this year.
Why do you love supporting Shrewsbury Town?
I love supporting Shrewsbury Town because I find the same amount of history there as in my local team, same level of support and football experience.
Massive thanks to Burt for speaking to us and for supporting our great club. If you know anyone or are a Salop fan living or from another country 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”
We had a chat with people that you see at every football match but probably wonder what they do while they are there, we spoke to Football Police Spotter DC Marvin Choudhury from the West Mercia Police. Check out the Shrewsbury Football Police on Twitter at @ShrewsFCPolice
What does policing a Shrewsbury Town match involve?
Well our absolute priority is making sure you, the club’s supporters, can enjoy the match safely. Shrewsbury Town is very much a family club with the club actively working with all ages in the local community and home matches in particular are a great day out for the whole family.
Throughout the country football matches are categorised with the categorisation process taking into consideration a number of factors, it will depend on the category of the fixture what level of policing is involved. There may be more police at some matches than others but what I would say is that this is absolutely nothing to worry about. Officers are there to primarily make sure fans can enjoy the game, get in and out of the stadium without too much delay and that there is minimum disruption to the local community. One thing I would stress is that our policing operation will always be proportionate with officers there to offer reassurance more than anything. Of course, if there is any trouble then they will intervene to prevent this from getting out of hand.
Even if there is not a visible police presence at matches police liaison officers, or spotters, will be at most home and away games. These are the officers wearing a blue tabard and they are there to support you. Their role is very much about engaging with fans and offering reassurance, if you’re at a match and see one of our liaison officers you should have a chat with them. They do of course have another role and that is to identify those who have the potential to cause trouble and look at early intervention to prevent this from happening.
The most important thing about policing a football match is that we work with the club and the club’s Safety Officer with your safety always at the centre of our decision making.
Why do football matches require police presence?
For a number of reasons. Most events that attract large crowds now have a police presence of some sort to ensure the safety of those who are at the events. As we’ve already mentioned the safety of fans is our utmost priority and we will always make sure our policing response is proportionate to achieve this. We also have to be mindful of the impact on the local community and local residents, and certainly where there are games that are going to attract large crowds we have to make sure that we’re doing all we can to keep disruption to those not attending the game to a minimum so they can go about their daily business.
How many officers usually attend a Shrewsbury game?
That can depend and will depend on the category of the game. For the majority of games this season, both home and away, you will only see a very small number of police officers, and often these will only be the liaison officers. At other games you may see a more visible police presence which could include police dogs or even police horses. What I can say though is that our policing plans will always be proportionate and even if there is a heavy police presence it is nothing to worry about. We recognise it can be unnerving but our officers are very approachable and if you want to have a chat with them then please do so.
Do you think football fans behaviour has improved in the last 10 years?
On the whole I think the vast majority of football fans are well-behaved, they celebrate, or commiserate, in good natured high spirits and do not cause us or the club any concern whatsoever. As I’ve already mentioned Shrewsbury Town is such a family orientated club, it’s always a great family day out with a fantastic atmosphere. Unfortunately, there have been instances where a very small number of people have ruined this for other people, and while this is only ever a small number, it’s something we won’t tolerate and where someone’s behaviour does over step the mark we will work with the club to make sure they face the consequences.
Do you get to see any of the football on match days?
Yes, inevitably we do get to see some of the football (there has to be some perks of the job!). However this is very much dependent on what is happening within the crowd and around the town where the football fixtures are taking place. One of the things I enjoy the most is when we’re away and see the same faces we see at home, it’s great to stop and have a chat with them. Genuine Shrewsbury supporters are an absolute credit to the town and conduct themselves excellently and it does makes us really proud to be their police liaison officer. We’re really keen to continue this engagement and I would encourage all town fans to get to know us, as previously mentioned we all wear a blue tabard so if you do see us please come and have a chat.
What do you think of Montgomery Waters Meadow as a stadium?
It’s a great facility for the club and also for the town itself. From a policing perspective having four separate stands helps with segregation but I appreciate this is not popular with all supporters. Safe Standing has been really successful and has added to the atmosphere within the stadium and I would encourage supporters who want to stand to use these areas. On the whole I think it’s a fantastic stadium compared to some other stadiums within the league and a stadium to be proud of, but I have to admit there is a part of me that misses standing on the riverside and the atmosphere that was generated at the old ground!
Where do you think Shrewsbury Town will finish in League 1 this season?
A good cup run and a play-off position would be a really good season. However realistically an improvement on last season, aiming to finish in the top half will show progress and a step in the right direction.
Massive thanks to DC Choudhury for taking the time out to chat with us. Check out our Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/GoingDownTheOteleyRoad/ and on Twitter @GDTORsalop
Daz Carding
“Going Down The Oteley Road”
We asked the Salopian super fan, Bizzy for his thoughts on our game against Port Vale.
“Great beers in Burslem, its a real ale haven well done to scooter in finding the boozers.”
“To the game fairplay to Sam for putting a strong side out, a few players in unusual positions but at least he showed the competition some respect unlike the Carabao Cup shambles.”
“First half was Salop’s best 45 minutes this season we were running rings round Vale. Again Donald Love was outstanding and fairplay to Scott Golbourne another stand out player. Some of the footy was a joy to watch again, away from home we seem to play with freedom its very refreshing on the eyes and Vale had no answer. God knows what happened in the second half but we looked a different side not sure if it was tiredness or fitness etc but we looked leggy and couldn’t string two passes together. Again despite his efforts Whalley looked very predictable, sad to say but hes going to struggle with gametime in the league. All the energy of the first half disappeared, a few fringe lads did themselves no favours. Tackle of the night was from my man of the match Donald Love. A ridiculous penalty.”
“Mixed feelings overall the first half was a pleasure to watch but the second half was nothing short of a shambles. But no harm done the bread and butter is the league. Big heads up to our different looking backline last night Love, Golbourne and Walker all can hold there heads up high. Still think we will be fine this season as I said we are playing better away. Keep the faith, up the owd Salop.”
“Love n jollops Biz”
Be sure to follow our resident Shrewsbury Town super fan on Twitter @Bizzylad
Bizzy
“Going Down The Oteley Road”
Going Down The Oteley Road 