Salop social: Cup cash, Cup memories and a flying start for Town’s women

Nathan Rowden

I’m a bit old fashioned in that I still really enjoy the FA Cup. I know many will say I’m just being misty eyed and nostalgic, but actually it’s a nice break from the league and you can meet clubs you wouldn’t usually come up against.

Admittedly it was hard to get too excited for the first round this season, firstly because we can’t actually be there and secondly Town’s league form up to now has been pretty pitiful.

However, this season the FA Cup has extra incentive and extra importance.

For beating Cambridge on Saturday the club will have pocketed £16,972, and if they go on to beat Oxford City at the end of November there will be a £25,500 reward. In the context of the current situation with Covid that is a huge sum of money, which could inflate again if we are lucky enough to get selected for television, which is a distinct possibility given the draw.

While survival in League One must be a priority this season, a run in the FA Cup would certainly come in handy and ease just some of the financial pressures on the club while fans maintain to be kept out of the grounds with the Government offering no assurances as to when we will be allowed back in this week.

Salop have been blessed as a club to have been given some great cup memories in recent years, including taking the Champions Liverpool to a replay and a trip to Anfield last season. Without fans being able to have those physical memories, the off-field importance of the cup is really highlighted and if Shrewsbury can once again go on a decent run, maybe landing a big club in the third round, then I’m sure it would go a long way to helping through these depressing times.

Chris Hudson

Nine goals in two games this past week – six of them for Shrewsbury in two cup victories.

With both games featuring some exciting attacking football from the men in blue-and-amber, one might ask what has all the fuss been about?!

In truth, I think we all know the answer to that. While it has undoubtedly been a good week for manager Sam Ricketts, he needs consistent performances in the league, too, if the pressure on him is to be relieved.

The cups have been good to Ricketts ever since he arrived at the Meadow almost two years ago – from a thriller against Wolves to a dramatic comeback against Stoke, a last-ditch victory against Bristol City and, of course, that terrific tie with Liverpool.

It’s a record that should not be sniffed at. Managers may be judged by what they do in the league, but it is often success in the cup that lingers longest in the memory of fans.

Certainly, as I reflect on my 30 years of following Shrewsbury all across the country, some of the games that live most vividly in my mind were in the knockout competitions.

The famous win over Everton in 2003, of course. But also beating Watford and Wimbledon in 1991; defeating Southampton in 1993; taking the lead at Arsenal in 2011; a heroic defeat to Chelsea in 2014.

These are games I’ll never forget. Ricketts has added a few more to the collection – and there may yet be more to come this season.

Steve Jones

It’s been a good start to the season, wouldn’t you agree?

Oh, sorry, did you think I was talking about the men’s team?

As far as Shrewsbury talking points are concerned right now, there’s a big elephant in the room - but it’s not all glum.

Credit where it’s due, Shrewsbury Town Women of the West Midlands Women’s Regional League Division One North are having a decent season.

Unfortunately, lockdown means things are paused for now. Hopefully not for long.

That’s because we’re winning regularly, averaging more than three goals a game and comfortably mid-table and looking up, not down.

All of this may be news to many. Unlike some more proactive clubs, Shrewsbury are yet to merge their men’s and women’s social media channels.

A small act, yes, but one that fosters inclusivity, helps banish negative perceptions which still exist, and sends an even clearer message on where the club stands on equality.

More practically, it boosts STWFC’s profile and could help generate further investment and progression.

Salop do brilliant work through their Community Trust. But it doesn’t have to stop there.

Clubs don’t need to wait for rule changes or civil rights movements.

Be more proactive and #TakeAStand.