Shrewsbury Town at 140: Supporters share their most treasured Salop memories

Football is nothing without the fans - and for 140 years, Shrewsbury Town supporters have been at the heart of the club’s story.

From Wembley trips and great escapes to unforgettable goals, promotion celebrations and lifelong family traditions, Salop fans have created countless memories while following their club through the highs and lows.

As Shrewsbury Town celebrates its 140th anniversary, supporters have been reflecting on the moments that have defined their love for the blue and amber.

Rob Hartley

My nan and grandad started going to games when they first got together and were season ticket holders for more than 50 years. That got passed on to my dad and I went with my grandparents from a young age.

One of my first games was an FA Cup tie against Marine, which we won 11-2. I remember asking my nan and grandad, ‘Is it like this every week?’ They made it very clear it wasn’t - and I soon became used to that.

But I have been hooked ever since. The club has been through a lot in recent times, but it has always been there. Whatever happens in your life, you always have it to fall back on at the weekend.

I’ve done every trip to Wembley. It has been heartbreaking at times, but it sucks you in. The club is a huge part of the community and my family, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Chris Hudson

I grew up in Shrewsbury and started going to games regularly when I was 14 in 1990.

I was a bit unlucky really because I missed all the glory years and instead watched them struggle for a few seasons - but I still fell in love with the club. It’s a huge part of my life.

There are big moments in my life that I can link to Shrewsbury Town. Even the day after I got married - poor wife - I took her to watch a 0-0 draw against Wimbledon. Lucky woman.

I moved away to university and that coincided with Shrewsbury winning the title in 1994. Now I go to games with my son and that has made it even more special.

I’ve got cautious optimism going into next season. Gavin Cowan hasn’t been shy about saying the club will have to punch above its weight , but I hope he’s the man to do it.

He finished the season really well and did a very good job of keeping us in the Football League. We’ve seen he can organise a team - now we have to see how well he can build one.

If he can get the right players through the door, there’s every hope we can improve next season.

Dan Hough

My first game was on March 6, 1981. We were 2-0 down against Oldham Athletic and came back to draw 2-2.

I was seven then, but when I became a teenager I went to Wakeman School, which overlooked the Gay Meadow. I could see the ground from the music room every day. Every Wednesday afternoon we’d run over to watch the reserves play.

Anyone who went there just lived and breathed Shrewsbury Town every single day. You would see the players walking down to training - it wasn’t just a once-a-week thing, it was every day.

The first 10 years of watching Shrewsbury for me were spent in what is now the Championship. We were facing Newcastle United, Chelsea and Manchester City regularly. It just felt normal at the time and I completely took it for granted.

Victor Kasule will always be my football hero. My kids talk about Ronaldo and Messi, but mine is Kasule.

One of my favourite memories was beating Bury in the League Two play-offs in 2009. There was a 90th-minute equaliser, we were down to 10 men and then won the penalty shoot-out. It was a superb day.