Historic coracle back at club

An historic coracle used to retrieve footballs from the river when Shrewsbury Town played at its old Gay Meadow ground has been handed back to the club.

Tim Beard and Alasdair Wilson handed over the small, one-man boat to their beloved club just before the kick-off of Town's match against Hereford United on Saturday.

The coracle was used by the late Fred Davies who, for more than 40 years, sat in the boat during home games to retrieve stray footballs which landed in the River Severn, which ran alongside the old ground.

Town fans Mr Beard and Mr Wilson, both 52, bought the coracle at a charity auction for £400 in 1989 - three years after Mr Davies's retirement.

Mr Beard, who has a second home at Habberley, near Shrewsbury, but now lives in Surrey, said: "We didn't want to see it disappear and go out of the county.

"We kept hold of it and restored it. It's probably about 100 years old, but has been perfectly restored."

Mr Beard said the pair felt the time was now right to hand over the coracle as the move from the old Gay Meadow on the banks of the River Severn to the new £15 million stadium in Oteley Road had been completed.

They chose the match against Hereford United as the visitors' manager Graham Turner is a former Shrewsbury Town boss.

Fans applauded as the coracle was handed over after an announcement about the presentation was made at the game.

Mr Wilson said: "I think the right place for such an important part of Shrewsbury Town's history is with the club."

The coracle was handed over to Town vice-chairman Keith Sayfritz and managing director Rob Bickerton shortly before kick-off.

Mr Bickerton said: "I've only been at Shrewsbury for a few weeks, but as a fan of lower-league football the legend of the coracle at the old ground is well known. To be able to receive it on behalf of the club alongside the vice-chairman was a privilege.

"We hope to find a home for it on display so supporters can see it in future years."