Blue and amber army heads to Wembley for Checkatrade Trophy final
Around 12,000 Shrewsbury fans were heading to Wembley today - with mayor Jane Mackenzie leading the town in backing Salop for glory.
Scores of coaches were making their way south today as a corner of the national stadium turns blue and amber.
About 40,000 people are expected to watch Shrewsbury Town take on Lincoln City in the Checkatrade Trophy.
It is hoped the match will be the first part of a thrilling double bill – with the Shrews topping the season off with automatic promotion into the Championship.
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Engineering works have been delayed by Arriva Trains to allow trains to run from Shrewsbury, via Birmingham, to London. Initially the rail operator had planned works which would have led to the line being shut.
And in a turnaround, coaches bringing fans to the stadium have been given permission to park closer to Wembley, allowing many more people to snap up tickets to join the blue and amber army.
The team bus left Shrewsbury on Friday to allow players time to prepare properly ahead of the eagerly-anticipated game.
Councillor Mackenzie said a victory would be a real dream come true for the whole town – and declared she had received a vision ahead of the game.
She said: “This week I dreamt that Shrewsbury won 3-1 at Wembley. I’m convinced this will be the result.
“There is a real buzz in town. Everyone supports Shrewsbury Town and we believe this time we’ll come back from Wembley with the trophy.”
Underdogs Lincoln are expected to take more than 20,000 fans to the ground.
But the mayor, who will be cheering the Shrews on from a stadium hospitality suite, expects Town fans to create a fantastic atmosphere.
She said: “I’m very proud and excited that Shrewsbury Town have reached the final. Their recent positive form shows that they are hungry and ready to win.
“Shrewsbury Town is a real community football club. I work closely with them on many projects, giving local children and vulnerable groups the chance to get fit and healthy.
“I’m travelling down to support the team, and I’ll be cheering them on, all the way to victory.”
But not everyone will get to see the action unfold before their eyes.
Town crier Martin Wood is nursing a sore leg so will be watching the game from home, but said he was fully behind the team and wished them luck for the big game, adding: “I am pretty sure they will come out on top this time.”
Town chief executive Brian Caldwell added: “We are looking forward to it. It is a big occasion for the team and for the town.
"We just hope all the hard work will pay off, not just for the team but for everyone at the club who have also worked so hard this season.
“I hope that everyone who goes along has a great time.
"This is a great opportunity for us to win a cup – and even the weather is forecast to be kind to us.”
