Edwards hit by Wembley 'jinx'

Former favourite Dave Edwards will experience Wembley 'heartbreak' with Shrewsbury Town for the second time in two years - first as a player and now as a fan.

The 23-year-old Shrewsbury-based midfielder missed out on the play-off final of 2007 after former boss Gary Peters controversially omitted him from the squad following his failure to sign a contract extension.

And he now faces further disappointment on Saturday as he will not be part of Shrewsbury's travelling support for the Wembley showdown against Gillingham because of a long-standing family commitment.

"I'm gutted because I would loved to have been there but it's my brother's (Chris) stag do in Prague this weekend," said Edwards, who is preparing for life in the Premiership next season with Wolves.

"I signed up for it a long time ago and it's really disappointing that Shrewsbury are at Wembley on the same weekend.

"But Chris tells me that there should be sports bars showing the game so we will find one of those and watch it.

"It should be quite a good atmosphere because a lot of the lads going are from Shrewsbury and are Town fans."

Edwards admitted he still feels the disappointment of missing the chance to shine for him home town club against Bristol Rovers in 2007, a game which Shrewsbury lost 3-1.

But he is confident Paul Simpson's side are now ready to make the step up to League One.

"It would be a great double for me if Wolves and Shrewsbury could get promoted in the same season," he added.

"I've seen Shrewsbury quite a few times this season and they seem to be developing all the time and have the nucleus of a really good squad.

"There are a few of the lads who were there two years ago still there, and the experience of being involved that day should help them.

"With the new stadium and the work of the manager and chairman, I think the club is ready to step up."

By James Garrison