Party time for the fans as Shrewsbury Town revel in promotion

Town supporters were celebrating at the weekend after a 1-0 victory over Cheltenham saw Micky Mellon's charges promoted.

Roger Groves, chairman of shrewsTRUST and joint chair of the supporters parliament, hailed the club's resurgence from the misery of relegation 12 months ago.

Fan James Pugh says it's great to see Shrewsbury Town back where the club belongs:

If a week is a long time in politics, a year is certainly an age in football.

Twelve months ago Town were facing up to the challenge of League Two football after relegation was confirmed following defeat to Peterborough.

But a year later, sorrow has turned to jubilation after Town confirmed automatic promotion back to League One on Saturday at the first time of asking.

Not only was Saturday's result met with great joy from us Town fans, but also great relief.

The pressure was certainly on us going into the season, with many expecting us to go straight back up.

And after experiencing life in League One after too many seasons in the bottom tier, fans wanted to see our team back where we believe we belong.

Despite high hopes at the start of the season it was difficult to know what to expect, with a new manager at the helm and virtually a complete new squad.

But thankfully the squad quickly gelled and the manager has proved his worth in what has been a fantastic season.

The stats don't lie – we have the best home record, scored the most and conceded the fewest goals, and kept the most clean sheets.

Micky Mellon has brought a really attractive brand of football to the club.

I look forward to Saturday's final game of the season at home to Plymouth where a big crowd is expected to show their appreciation of the efforts of the players and staff this season.

Looking ahead, it is important we don't rest on our laurels. I think most fans would agree the priority is survival. We need to add to the quality we already have and keep hold of our most talented players.

He said: "It is great. It is a relief, we have performed well consistently throughout the season in what has been quite a competitive top half of the table. To come back from where we were less than 12 months ago is a great achievement, both on and off the field.

"I have had some dealings with the chief executive Matt Williams through the supporters trust and the parliament and I have to say he has been great. His door is always open and this is not just about what is happening on the field, to borrow a cliche, it is a great team on and off the field.

"I just hope that next year we can hold our heads high and hold our own in the division. I am already looking forward to some good teams coming down here. You've got Blackpool, Millwall, and Wigan, who have not long been in the Premier League – there are some tasty teams there."

The positive mood was echoed by Shrewsbury's mayor and business leaders.

Mayor, Beverley Baker, said: "It is brilliant. I think they have worked really hard this year, they have done a real good job of pushing themselves out there to get in this position and they deserve to go up."

About 1,700 fans made the 150-mile round trip to Cheltenham Town.

Among them was Simon Moore, of Shrewsbury Official Supporters Group.

He said: "I have got hardly got any voice left.

"There are no easy games in League Two and I knew they would have a go at us because they really needed to win the game to stay up and they did come at us and looked to cause a few problems.

"It was tense but once they got the goal it got us going and we were singing non-stop and it was brilliant. In the last 15 minutes it kept going to a red shirt and we were finding it quite difficult but when the final whistle went, it was fantastic. The players got mobbed then they went off and came back on and did a bit of a lap and everyone was singing. Not everyone could get on the pitch but it was really nice how they came out with the T-shirts for Lloyd Burton and Colin Bloomfield on them. It was very fitting.

"It was great on the coach back, the hour and half felt like 10 minutes. Then we were in Shrewsbury until 1am celebrating."

Gary Ray, 30, of Shawbirch, near Telford, said: "This season has been brilliant following from the heartbreak of last season's relegation.

"Mellon has brought in players from day one who have done a fantastic job and played quality, attacking football.

"We have been solid at the back, creative in midfield, and have strikers who can put the ball in the net.

"Mellon is a gifted young manager who speaks the truth and will continue to take this club forward.

"He is also very appreciative of the fans where previous managers haven't been."

William Alun Roberts, of Newtown, said: "It is the best season we have had for many years. Mellon has done a brilliant job.

"It was so disappointing last season but we have brought in quality players.

"I think Leutwiler has been our best player, Lawrence has been outstanding and Woods has really come on."

Mark Hughes, of Shrewsbury, 56, said: "It has been a really terrific season.

"The midfield has been more secure, at the back we have looked solid, and I love Collins upfront who runs about all day.

"Goldson has been brilliant and Leutwiler has been tremendous as well."

Peter Bettis, president of Shrewsbury Business Chamber, said he hoped the promotion would mean more football fans visiting the town to spend money. He said: "Congratulations to a wonderful team. It is a wonderful town to play for and a wonderful place for fans to come to visit and spend their money."

Kevin Lockwood, vice chairman of the chamber and manager of Shrewsbury's Darwin and Pride Hill shopping centres, added: "Getting promoted is a real boost for the town. They will get an increase in revenue, there will be better and bigger teams coming to play here, which potentially means an increase in the footfall and for businesses."

Daniel Kawczynski, who is standing for re-election as MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham, said he was delighted for the club's fans.

He said: "This is a tremendous boost, not only for the club but for the town. This is one of the most popular organisations throughout the whole constituency – there are so many dedicated fans and people who follow the Town – and this is a tremendous result for the club and Shrewsbury."