Supporter in 300-mile drive
A diehard Shrewsbury fan living in the US was driving to Canada in order to fly to Britain and watch his beloved team's Wembley play-off final.
A diehard Shrewsbury fan living in the US was driving to Canada in order to fly to Britain and watch his beloved team's Wembley play-off final.
Richard Cole, 46, originally from Bridgnorth, faced a 300-mile drive from his home in Cleveland, Ohio, to Toronto to catch a plane to Gatwick today.
Mr Cole, who listens to nearly every Town match over the internet, will meet up with his brother David for tomorrow's big game.
The administrator, who works at Case Western Reserve University, said in a phone call from his home that the last game he saw at Gay Meadow was Town's recent 0-0 draw with Bristol Rovers.
He added it was no surprise to his wife, Kate, and children, Veronica and Georgia, that he was making the trip and paying about £225 for a plane ticket.
"They understand. I listen to every game on the internet. My last live game was against Bristol Rovers when Asamoah missed a penalty, I hope it's not an omen," he said. "I'm going for a 2-1 win to Town."
The committed supporter said he was expecting delays at the Canadian border, as this weekend is a holiday in America.
"I'm nervous, excited and anxious about the travel. And I hope there's no problems like the Liverpool fans suffered, I don't want to be left sitting in Toronto on the runway."
The former Bridgnorth Comprehensive School pupil emigrated to the US in 1984 to study for a masters degree and comes back to Shropshire about once a year.
Special coverage in the Shropshire Star:
A Wembley special of the newspaper will be on sale from 6.30am on Saturday. This commemorative edition will include a chance for readers to win a Town season ticket.
We also want readers to send in their photos, wherever you are on the big day - at Wembley, at home, in the pub or at your local club. The best pictures will appear in Monday´s paper and online. The top 10 pictures will win prizes.
Text the word pic below your picture in the message box, along with your name and address. Text your picture to 07843 500911 (Picture texts cost 50p plus your standard picture messaging rate)
We want your films of the Shrews big day, whether it´s a video of you on the way to the ground, watching with your family or, hopefully, celebrating promotion after the game.
Anyone who sends in video footage from the big day will also be entered to win a prize. Simply send your video, with your name and address, to: internet@shropshirestar.co.uk
