1979 was an unforgettable year for Shrewsbury, with Shrewsbury Town FC enjoying a remarkable FA Cup run before making history by winning the Third Division title. The team captured the imagination of supporters with their famous 2-0 victory over Manchester City, followed by a thrilling run to the quarter-finals, before securing promotion in front of a huge crowd at Gay Meadow.
But there was much more happening around the town beyond the footballing triumphs. From a bitter winter freeze that brought snow and brought communities together, to the opening of the Frankwell footbridge, these archive pictures capture a year of change, celebration and everyday life.
There are also glimpses of local people at work and play, from students learning new skills to police officers out on their beat, alongside the community's efforts to support a major cancer appeal.
Take a trip back to 1979 and see what life in Shrewsbury looked like nearly 50 years ago, and share your memories in the comments.
- See 27 archive pictures of Shropshire in 1985 and revisit a year gone by
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13. Thousands flood the pitch to hail the Third Division champions
A sea of jubilant supporters surges across the Gay Meadow grass in May 1979 as the final whistle confirms an emphatic four-one victory over Exeter City, crowning Graham Turner’s side champions of the Third Division. Were you one of the thousands who spilled over the barriers and onto the pitch at full-time? Did you manage to get near the players to celebrate before they were carried off down the tunnel? | Shropshire Star archive
14. Champagne flows in the Gay Meadow changing room
Manager Graham Turner and his jubilant Shrewsbury Town squad raise a celebratory glass on May 17, 1979, toasting a famous four-one victory over Exeter City that sealed promotion to the Second Division, joined by Bob Wardle, Jack Keay, Ian Atkins, Ken Mulhearn, Jimmy Lindsay, Jake King, Steve Cross, Tony Larkin, and David Tong. Where did you head to celebrate after the Town clinched promotion that famous Thursday night? Who was your favourite player from that legendary squad guided to glory by Graham Turner? | Shropshire Star archive
15. A victory cigar for the boss who rewrote club history
A beaming Graham Turner flashes a V-for-victory sign and clenches an unlit celebration cigar between his teeth at Gay Meadow on May 17, 1979, having just guided Shrewsbury Town into the Second Division for the very first time with an emphatic four-one triumph over Exeter City. What rank does Graham Turner hold among your all-time greatest Shrewsbury Town managers? Do you remember the sheer disbelief and excitement in the town when Shrewsbury finally reached the second tier of English football? | Shropshire Star archive
16. National recognition among the giants of English football
Shrewsbury Town manager Graham Turner stands proudly with his Division Three manager of the year trophy in London on May 26, 1979, taking his place among football royalty including Liverpool boss Bob Paisley, Manchester United manager Dave Sexton, and representatives for Brian Clough and Terry Venables at the prestigious Bell’s awards. How proud did it make you feel seeing the Shrewsbury boss celebrated on equal terms with the finest managers in the country? Did you ever expect that historic 1979 season to bring so many trophies and national honours to Gay Meadow? | ©PA