Shrewsbury’s finest 2000-10

Wednesday 6th January 2010, 8:00PM GMT.

Shrewsbury Town logoTwo Wembley visits, one promotion and one relegation – life has rarely been dull for Shrewsbury Town in the noughties.

A record transfer fee was received and one paid out, for Joe Hart and Grant Holt respectively, and hundreds of players have been signed by four permanent managers.

But who would be in the ‘dream XI’? Here’s JAMES GARRISON‘s Shrewsbury team of the last 10 years, lining up in 1 4-3-3 formation.

Tell us your choices in the comment box below

GOALKEEPER

joe-hartJoe Hart

2003-2006 58 appearances

The greatest footballing talent to come out of Shrewsbury provides a fine last line of defence. From the moment he mad his Town Football League debut as a 17-year-old in April 2005 against Oxford he was destined for greatness and – who knows – maybe a starting berth in South Africa for England in the World Cup this summer.

RIGHT-BACK

darren-mossDarren Moss

2001-2005 & 2007-2009 224 appearances, 13 goals

Had two spells with the club but it’s his first stint which books him a place in the team at right-back. Solid defensively and comfortable on the ball, it was no surprise Crewe came calling with £170,000 in 2005. Returned to Shropshire two years later and was reliable enough to secure his place in this line-up.

CENTRE-BACK

David Hughes

1999-2001 53 appearance, 3 goals

Arguably Jake King’s best signing, the defender earned the club a massive £450,000 through his move to Cardiff in February 2001. Would have gone on to have an excellent career had it not been for a knee injury which cut his time short.

CENTRE-BACK

Graham CoughlanGraham Coughlan

2008-present 77 appearances, 6 goals

Darren Tinson and Kelvin Langmead both came into contention, but the Irishman’s leadership tips the edge for him. Largely consistent in performance and – even in his 36th year – remains a vital figure in Paul Simpson’s side.

LEFT-BACK

Marc TierneyMarc Tierney

2007-2009 90 appearances, 1 goal

Fully committed left back who very rarely had a bad game during his two years in Shropshire. No real surprise when Colchester gave him a chance to impress at a higher level 12 months ago.

CENTRE MIDFIELDER

dave-edwards-2Dave Edwards

2003-2007 132 appearances, 15 goals

Energetic midfielder whose bursting runs became a trademark of the spell with his home town club. Now plying his trade with Wolves in the top flight, and how different things may have been had he not been left out of the play-off final with Bristol Rovers by then manager Gary Peters following a contract dispute.

CENTRE MIDFIELDER

Stewart Drummond Stewart Drummond

2006-2008 75 appearances, 8 goals

Brought a calmness to Shrewsbury’s midfield during his 20 months at the club. Also had the honour of scoring at Wembley in the defeat to Bristol Rovers and was a key figure in that surge to the play-off final.

CENTRE MIDFIELDER

ben-davies1Ben Davies

2006-2009 127 appearances, 31 goals

Arguably Shrewsbury’s most potent dead-ball specialist during the last decade. Always a threat with his delivery from corners and free-kicks and made an excellent goal contribution from midfield. Injury ensured he missed the Bristol Rovers game at Wembley but remained a big influence before his summer switch to Notts County.

STRIKER

Nigel Jemson

2000-2003 127 appearances, 43 goals

The nomadic striker ended his 13-club league career with a three-season spell at Shrewsbury. Some questioned his attitude and work-rate but his goal-to-game ratio and quality could never be doubted. Will forever be remembered for his two goals against Everton in THAT shock.

STRIKER

Luke Rodgers

2001-2005 204 appearances, 73 goals

Formed a deadly partnership with Jemson at the start of the decade. Some of his off-the-pitch antics left a little to be desired but his appetite for success on the pitch made him a huge threat. His pace and eye for goal will live long in the memory of Town supporters.

STRIKER

grant-holtGrant Holt

2008-2009 51appearances, 28 goals

Spent just one season in Shrewsbury colours before his switch to Norwich – but what a season it was. Could have scored more from open play but 28 goals is a magnificent return at any level and always lived up to his record signing billing.

MANAGER

Gary Peters

Gary Peters

2004-2008 P 174 W 60 D 50 L 64

Honourable mentions for Jimmy Quinn and Paul Simpson for guiding Shrewsbury to promotion from the Conference and to a play-off final in their only full seasons in charge. But, while the Peters reign ended with some dismal performances, his overall record was good, rescuing a side struggling to stave off relegation back to the Conference and taking them within 90 minutes of promotion to League One, only to lose 3-1 to Bristol Rovers.


  1. 1
    CW

    I think this is pretty much spot on. However, I would make just the 1 change; A 4-4-2 with Asamoah instead of Holt.

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  2. 2
    SteveBiggins(not)

    Why isn’t Kris Bright in this side, James???

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  3. 3
    deeger

    We have played 4-4-3 and 4-5-1 but the usual is 4-4-2 so having 3 strikers is…odd. I would have Holt and Rodgers up front.I would add McIntyre in midfield as he is consistant.I feel Langmead nudges ahead of Coughlan for his long service to the club. Good article though.

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  4. 4
    deeger

    I mean 4-3-3 !

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