Shrewsbury Town fans and players were today preparing themselves for one of the biggest games in the club’s recent history. The squad set off for the capital yesterday.

And fans today issued the rallying cry: “We’re going to Wembley, and we’re going there to win”.

More than 20,000 fans will be making the trip for the game against Gillingham with club bosses today saying they hope to top the 21,000 mark.

A coach taking players and staff from the club left the Prostar Stadium in Shrewsbury at about 1.30pm yesterday, arriving at the team hotel 35-minutes from Wembley at about 4.20pm.

Jon Harris, club general manager, said the players were in good spirits ahead of the match.

He said: “There’s a great spirit in the squad. The management and everyone has been top dollar.

“The chairman and directors have put the team up in probably the best hotel available. We’ve got to perform on the day now. However, the preparation has been absolutely spot on.”

Mr Harris praised fans for their support, which he said was recognised by everyone involved with the club.

“We’ve got just over 20,000 people coming down for certainly the biggest game since we’ve been at the Prostar Stadium. It’s massive,” he added.

“Whoever wins the game Saturday is going into a very strong League One and we want to be a part of that.”

Adrian Plimmer from ShrewsTRUST, said: “There is great hope amongst Town fans, that this time will be third time lucky.

“The team finished the season so well, and now we just have to show 100 per cent commitment, effort, pride and passion.”