This could be start of a golden era for Shrewsbury Town

Just imagine for a second. It’s 5pm on Sunday and Wembley Stadium is ringing out to the sounds of: “We’re on our way, we’re on our way…to the Championship, we’re on our way…” as an army of blue and amber from sleepy old Shropshire celebrates one of the most unlikely promotions in the history of the football league.

Imagine further that this remarkable Shrewsbury Town team then consolidates next season, with a mid-table finish in a tough, tough league.

Imagine the crowds increasing and the revenue increasing as teams like Derby, Ipswich, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest visit the Meadow.

Imagine that revenue being invested into the playing side. And then imagine the possibilities.

Yes, I know I’m getting way ahead of myself. Yes, I know about – and have lived – the “Wembley Curse”, but imagine – this Sunday could be the gateway to the greatest ever period in Shrewsbury Town’s history.

Who wouldn’t want to be there? Surely if ever a game fit the cliché: “This’ll be one to tell the grandkids” this has the potential to be it.

It would be the crowning glory in a quite remarkable season.

I’ve been following the Shrews since 1982 when I begged my dad to take me to a game against Newcastle so I could see Kevin Keegan play.

And in all that time I can’t remember loving what has happened more than I have this year.

Even the season when we went unbeaten at home on the way to securing promotion. Almost every game has been like a party.

We should all know the backstory by now, but let’s just recap for anyone who’s been stuck in an airport aboard or something.

Last season we were staring relegation in the face. Our manager had gone, we were rock bottom of League 1 and in came new manager Paul Hurst – considered by many to be an underwhelming appointment. There was a general sense of resignation to our relegation.

Dizzying heights

But Hurst worked something of a miracle, guiding us to safety. Going into this season, our lofty ambition, if we’re honest, was mid-table obscurity and a stress-free campaign.

So what has followed has been real Roy of the Rovers stuff. Nine losses in 64 league games, and 87 points – enough in most other seasons for us to have been promoted back into the dizzying heights of the Championship.

Not only that, but little old Shrewsbury have already had one Wembley appearance this season, in the Checkatrade Trophy Final. OK, forget the performance on the day – who honestly thought they’d get to see the Shrews at Wembley twice in one year?

Town even went toe-to-toe with Premiership giants West Ham in the FA Cup, drawing at home before losing to a single goal in London.

Alas automatic promotion wasn’t to be. And yet, there is no disappointment. In fact, just the opposite.

Going into the play-offs the atmosphere was one of the same kind of bravado that we have seen all season – from players and fans alike. Following back-to-back 1-0 wins over Charlton – made all the sweeter by watching boss Lee Bowyer’s reaction to those defeats – there is a real sense of belief running throughout the town; running throughout the county.

Shrewsbury deserve promotion more than any team in League 1 – including Blackburn and Wigan, who went up automatically.

They are both teams who have graced the Premier League in recent years and have budgets to match their ambitions. Even if the “curse” strikes again on Sunday, this will have been an incredible year to be a Shrews fan.

It’s open to debate whether it was a Shrewsbury Town supporters’ fanzine or a Salop’s crazy keeper who started it, but at some point a hashtag appeared on social media and soon caught on. It caught on because Shrewsbury has fallen back in love with its footballing side.

Come Sunday, it will be everywhere.

#lovethisteam