Proud Shrewsbury Town chief Brian Caldwell hopes safe standing can be for fans of future

Saturday’s 1-0 Montgomery Waters Meadow defeat to Bradford will be marked in the history books as the day safe standing was available in all seater stadia in England and Wales.

Most of the 555 rail seating in the Salop Leisure South Stand was packed out, noisy and colourful as the feature really caught the attention of the 7,625 in attendance at the Meadow.

Caldwell, who was joined by his wife Noreen and Town supporters’ parliament colleagues in the safe standing, said: “I was really delighted to be a part of the safe standing area, to see and hear how good it was.

“The fans created a lot of noise and made for a really good atmosphere. Hopefully more people having seen and heard it in action will want to join in and it will become the place to be for Shrewsbury fans of the future.”

Caldwell reserved praise for parliament chiefs Roger Groves and Mike Davis after the two, alongside other fans, have worked tirelessly in the 18 months since the ideas was first mooted at a meeting.

The CEO added: “I have to pay tribute to Mike Davis and Roger Groves who we have worked tirelessly with us to get this up and running as well as many more within the supporters’ parliament, we are all very proud of what we have achieved for the fans.

“It shows what can happen when the club and fans work together and this makes me very proud.”

Boss John Askey, who made his competitive bow as Town manager, added: “It did make a great atmosphere.

“Hopefully the supporters that are there feel it’s better for them. I think it helps with the atmosphere.

“To be the first club is always good, especially if something works!”