Shrewsbury v West Ham: Today’s the day as town unites for FA Cup clash
Today is the day for Shrewsbury Town as they host Premier League side West Ham United in the FA Cup.
And it will be a big day for one player and a manager alike, but it will also be a special occasion for an Oswestry family.
West Ham goalkeeper Joe Hart returns to face Shrewsbury Town for the first time since his career began at the old Gay Meadow.
And another former Shrews legend David Moyes will be in charge of the Hammers as they look to avoid a potential banana skin.
It will also be a big day for the Wildman family of Oswestry.
Craig, 29, his son Bailey, seven, and his father Martin, 58, originate from the East End and are all huge Hammers fans who will be cheering from the away end.
An added edge is that Craig is a former employee of the club, serving as the assistant hospitality manager for about eight months. He said Sunday will be a special occasion and a nice chance to meet up with old friends.
He said: “We’ve all got tickets for the game so it is going to be a great day to see the side at Shrewsbury.”
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Craig admitted it has been a draw he has been waiting for for many years, but he isn’t at all positive heading into the game.
He said: “When I worked there the biggest crowd I’ve seen was for Millwall I think, and we’ve sold out the away end really quickly so it will be a great day, and strange to see us there.
“We go to the odd game closer to home, I don’t really like the London stadium.
“Moyes has already said there will be changes and after previous performances I am not positive in the slightest, it is looking like a banana skin. But I will predict 2-0 to West Ham.”
BBC presenter Gary Lineker was in town today to anchor live TV coverage of the game, and even stopped by to see the well-known statue of Charles Darwin.
Mike Davis, from the Shrewsbury FC Supporters’ Parliament, said if Town perform as they have done all season, they’ll be hard to beat.
“Things are really starting to build up nicely now for this weekend’s game,” he said. “West Ham’s struggles coupled with our amazing season so far has really captured the imaginations of our fans.
“Add that to the fact it was David Moyes’ Everton team we beat in one of our biggest giant killings and everything’s set up for it to be a great day for the club.
“West Ham won’t be coming here expecting an easy game and I hope we can show those watching on national TV exactly what we have been seeing week in and week out this season – that’s hard work, heart and determination. If we do all that we could give West Ham a scare.”
West Ham’s last defeat to Shrewsbury came in April 1980, just 14 days before they won the 1980 FA Cup final.
It’s also a big day for the club’s Under 10 and Under 11 youth sides who will run out at half time to play in front of nearly 10,000 fans.
Jade Hibbert, education manager for Shrewsbury Town in the Community, said excitement at the club has been building for weeks.
“As soon as the tickets went on sale, we had about 50 or 60 people constantly in the queue to get tickets – that’s why they sold out so fast,” he said.
“Everyone in the town, club, all the supporters are looking forward to it because it’s such a big occasion. There’s lots going on on the day too.”
Shrewsbury Town in the Community want supporters to join them on a 108-mile bike ride to Blackpool to watch Shrewsbury’s last away game of the season.
For more information visit shrewsburytowninthecommunity.com/events/pedal2pool
And here’s some inspiration for the Super Shrews ahead of their clash with the Hammers.
There were wild celebrations in 2003 when Everton were put to the sword.
Veteran Nigel Jemson scored both goals in a famous win for Shrews manager Kevin Ratcliffe.
And a certain Wayne Rooney was among the young Toffees team.
