Shrewsbury Town at Wembley: Shaun Whalley out to right family record
In-form winger Shaun Whalley is hoping to succeed where his father failed and become a Wembley winner.
Neil Whalley was a midfielder who played for Preston North End and several non-league clubs, writes Stuart Dunn.
He twice played at the national stadium and now his son will follow in his footsteps when Shrewsbury take on Lincoln in the Checkatrade Trophy final on Sunday.
The Town wideman said: “I’ve never played there but my dad played there twice, a third division play-off final and an FA Vase final, but he lost both times.
“He said if I get the win it counts as double so hopefully we can get a win!
“He played for Preston in the play-off final and for Warrington Town in the FA Vase, so he always reminds me.
“He’s still got the tops back home even though he got beat. It doesn’t mean that much to him, but I respect that he’s gone to Wembley twice and hopefully I can emulate that.”
Whalley, who has scored 12 goals this season and also claimed 15 assists, is determined to do all he can to ensure Town’s big day ends in victory against a Lincoln side currently sixth in League Two.
“It will be a tough game and a close game,” added the 30-year-old Merseysider.
“But hopefully our class will show through and we can get the win. “It would be great to win a trophy because obviously when you’re in the lower divisions you don’t really get the opportunities to win as many trophies as a Chelsea, Liverpool or Manchester United player.
“It’s just great to be going there and I’m really looking forward to it now.
Town’s focus has been firmly on the quest for League One points since they booked their Wembley appearance by beating Yeovil in the Trophy semi-final at the Montgomery Waters Meadow on March 6.
Their subsequent six league games has delivered 13 points from a possible 18 to maintain the club’s exciting promotion challenge.
“We’re only going to start thinking about it now,” said Whalley, of the prospect of playing at one of the world’s best known stadiums. “The gaffer said after the Oxford game we can finally start thinking about it. I’m sure it will be a great day out, but only if we win - otherwise I don’t think it will be a great day personally, knowing how I feel about getting beat.”
