Shrewsbury Town stars open doors to supporters

More than 1,500 fans flocked to Greenhous Meadow to meet Graham Turner and his Shrewsbury Town players before the big kick-off next weekend.

The Shrews are at Leeds on Saturday for their first competitive match of the season, in the Capital One Cup, and yesterday was a chance to see how the side is shaping up. Supporters were able to meet Turner and his team.

Autographs were signed and a host of entertainment was laid on at the traditional curtain-raiser.

Gates opened at 10am and neither grey skies nor the lure of Team GB’s triumphs at London 2012 proved enough to keep the fans away.

A host of fun activities were laid on for youngsters during the four-hour event, including inflatable football matches, cage football, a treasure hunt and face painting.

Supporters were also able to tour the stadium and get a behind the scenes glimpse in the dressing rooms, kit and control rooms and other places of interest.

Turner and his team had a light training session in front of the crowds at 11.15am, after which they were on hand to sign autographs and have photos taken with their adoring fans.

Martin James, Shrewsbury Town’s community development manager, said: “It was a truly brilliant day. It proved really popular and so many people turned up.

“There must have been 1,500 to 2,000 fans.

The skies were ominous but we had been praying the rain would hold off, and it did.

“Our open days offer supporters the chance to meet Graham Turner and the squad and it fosters a great community spirit.

“It was a great day and set us all up for the start of the season.”

Shrewsbury are riding high in the pre-season, having drawn 2-2 at home to Wolves last Tuesday and then beating Worcester City 3-2 away last Friday.

The side now plans a private, practice match tomorrow.