Shrewsbury Town fans back bid for safe-standing

Plans have been lodged for Town as they hope to become the first club in England to install safe-standing on the terraces – and 87 per cent of more than 850 supporters backed the initiative in a Shropshire Star poll.

The response to Shrewsbury Town's safe-standing bid has been hailed as a 'phenomenal' moment in the club's history.

While Roger Groves, joint-chairman of the supporters' parliament, labelled the reaction to the story – across all national and global media – as unbelievable.

He also lauded the approach and backing from Town chief executive Brian Caldwell throughout the bid's planning.

The plans, which have been submitted to the Shropshire Council's safety advisory group, are in place after the supporters' parliament raised the idea of safe-standing at the new Meadow.

A crowd-funding campaign will aim to raise the required £75,000 for Town to put the plans into action, the supporter-led initiative will be launched when plans have been passed by the advisory group and the government.

Groves said: "The club have been unbelievable and It's phenomenal to see the national coverage we got as a club.

"It's great for our football club. It will be a catalyst for something remembered in our history.

"It's just a real football story for real football supporters. It's a positive step forward and for little old Shrewsbury to be first is great."

While former chairman of the supporters' parliament Mike Davis hailed the backing the club provided the SP as 'massive' while describing reaction to the news as 'mental'.

He explained how the club were originally a little uncertain about the bid, but were soon confident having explored examples such as Celtic Park in Glasgow, where safe-standing has proved a resounding success.

"It's superb to have the backing from Brian and the chairman," said Davis.

"We're absolutely delighted with how they've been with us. They've been excellent, it was understandable that they were a little uncertain five or so months ago."

Davis confirmed that yesterday's Shropshire Star poll backed up the parliament's views. He added: "Hopefully we won’t have to many unhappy season ticket holders who don’t want to stand.

"We're delighted with the coverage from the Star and think there are very exciting times ahead for multiple reasons."