Shrewsbury Town denied extra tickets for FA Cup tie at Wolves

The Shropshire Star understands that Shrewsbury were initially offered three ticket allocation options, ranging from 3,010 to 4,563. On December 19, the club opted for the lowest allocation in the Steve Bull Lower Stand, based on attendances when the sides last met in 2019 and Shrewsbury's lower home crowds this season. 

The original allocation sold out quickly, prompting Shrewsbury to request an increase to 3,850 tickets four days later. However, Wolves declined the request, saying that additional seats in the Stan Cullis Stand for away supporters would not cover operating costs. 

Shrewsbury added that any losses incurred would have been deducted from their financial return, meaning the club would have lost money on each extra ticket sold.

Had Shrewsbury opted for a larger allocation - between 3,850 and 4,563 tickets - on December 19, Wolves would have agreed to the additional tickets.

The decision follows criticism from Salop chairman Roland Wycherley over Wolves' reduced ticket prices for the tie, which are set at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Wycherley claimed that Shrewsbury will likely earn more from their first-round tie against South Shields.

In the email to supporters, Shrewsbury explained: "Unfortunately, it does not look as though we will be receiving any additional tickets for the game.

"We initially took an allocation of 3,000 tickets in the Steve Bull Lower Stand. This decision was based on our previous FA Cup visit to Wolves, when we took around 3,100 supporters, as well as the fact that we have since been relegated and are currently seeing lower home attendances.

"Our aim was to minimise the financial risk of being charged for unsold tickets.

"Wolves also made it clear that if we did not sell out the Steve Bull Lower Stand, we would not be permitted to sell tickets in the Stan Cullis Stand. As tickets must be issued in advance, we would have been charged for any unsold seats, which further reinforced our decision to start with a smaller allocation.

"Due to the strong demand and the speed at which the original allocation sold out, we quickly approached Wolves to request additional tickets, particularly given the size of the waiting list.

"Wolves have since confirmed that, due to the £10 ticket pricing, opening an additional area in the Stan Cullis Stand would not cover their operating costs. As a result, they have declined out request for further tickets. 

"Additionally, any losses incurred from opening extra sating would have been deducted form our FA Cup financial return, meaning the club would lose money on each additional ticket sold."

Wolves were contacted for comment.