Countdown continues

Monday 18th May 2009, 10:59AM BST.

shrewsnewlogotm12The countdown to the League Two Play-off Final continues and Town are set to be backed by a bumper Salopian crowd, writes Shrewsbury Town blogger James Pugh.

News coming out of the camp over the last week has been promising – the players have had time to relax and are feeling positive and fans have been snapping up tickets very quickly.

Tickets sales are already up to about 16,000 and we look set to beat the following we had against Bristol Rovers two years ago.

Yet again we will be seen as the underdogs as Gillingham are supposedly seen as the ‘bigger club’ and will outnumber us in terms of support.

But we are the team in form and our fans are the best in the league; they will easily make up for being fewer in number by being more vocal.

We look set to have a fully-fit squad to choose from, with the exception of Jackson, which will give a Simpson a pleasant dilemma. I would be surprised if he was to change the team that successfully beat Bury, but this would be my starting line-up: Daniels, Moss, Langmead, Coughlan, Ashton, Humphreys, McIntrye, Davies, Murray, Holt and Walker.

Although Worrall played well against Bury, I think the larger Wembley pitch would suit Humphreys well, like it did for Asamoah in the final two years ago.

Walker may be the biggest surprise in my team, but I feel the story is written for him to play well and score the winning goal, even if it means coming off the bench – he certainly owes us one. Plus I am still not convinced by Chadwick and Ashikodi.

Who would fans start with and what do you think the score will be?

Another player who will miss out on the big day is Leslie after Town decided not to appeal the red card he picked up against Bury.

I was shocked when I heard this because it was an appalling decision and the replays I saw on television clearly show this.

Let’s hope this week the players remain injury-free and get themselves in the best shape possible ready for Saturday.

Wembley disappointment was bad enough two years ago and fans don’t want to have to experience it again.


  1. 1
    Dave

    You say the ‘larger’ Wembley pitch but isn’t it the same size as the pitch at the Prostar?!!

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  2. 2
    Ed

    The Wembley pitch, the way it’s been marked out, it slightly wider than at the Prostar. It’s a little longer too.

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  3. 3
    gary

    i will be there

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  4. 4
    Wayne

    What’s that creaking noise? Oh yeah..It’s all the so-called Shrewsbury Town supporters coming out of the woodwork.

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  5. 5
    Block 16

    Same team as Bury for me, Worrall offers more than Humphrey in my view and Riza offers something different in attack.

    Feeling confident but nervous all the same.

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  6. 6
    Y Mab Darogan

    16000 tickets sold yet shrews only get 3000 average for league game. Hang your head in shame Shrewsbury Town fans

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  7. 7
    James Pardoe

    Y Mab Darogan check your facts. STFC’s average gate is c.5,500 and I don’t care how many turn up as long as they are supporting us.

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  8. 8
    confused

    Knock me down with a feather… Ymad has come up with a factually incorrect ill informed ignorant comment !! Here is an idea, whilst people are at Wembley enjoying themselves, you can try and rempve your head from up your own…… muppet ! come on Town !!

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  9. 9
    Monkey

    James pardoe – gates around 5500 which u seem to think are all town fans? Are there no away supporters allowed at the prostar? Don’t think you really thought that through. Regardless of who comes in, even on a good week the stadium is still half empty every week!

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  10. 10
    Y Mab Darogan

    All I’m saying is that this prove that Shrewsbury is not a real football town. Only 3000 die hard fans and 13000 fair weather fans who only attend the attractive games.

    Shame on Shrewsbury Town fans.

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  11. 11
    Annie

    As a season ticket holder I am aware that lots of people only come to the big games Wayne. However, the more the merrier I reckon – Gillingham will outnumber us anyway so I don’t think we should complain!

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  12. 12
    Edward

    Having watched Gillingham play Rochdale in their play off game Town should be prepared for a very physical game as the Gills looked a very strong attacking team. Holt will almost certainly have two Gillingham players with him all the time and I hope he doesn’t retaliate and get booked. I hope Chris Humphrey plays with his speed and better ability to put balls into the box now he could help us win the game.

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  13. 13
    novarich

    For Sale, 5000 Blue and Yellow handkerchiefs, ideal for crying into, £offers

    The other 11000 I’ll chuck away as those day trippers won’t give a toss when they lose.

    Yeah I know it’s Amber not Yellow!!!!

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