Two Shrewsbury Town Supporters Talk To Vital Lincoln City

The last time The Imps faced tonight’s opponents Shrewsbury Town in the EFL Trophy was on Sunday 8th April 2018 at Wembley Stadium in the final, in front of a crowd of 41,261, including around 27,000 City fans. The Imps won 1-0 that day thanks to an Elliott Whitehouse goal in the 16th minute. When the two sides met last season, both matches finished in draws, with the match at Sincil Bank in October finishing 0-0 and the away match in January finishing 1-1, with goals from Ollie Norburn (36′ PEN) and Tyler Walker (48′ PEN).

Ahead of tonight’s match, we have done a Q&A with two Shrewsbury Town supporters, so thank you to Chris and stuttgartershrew (from Blue and Amber) for answering our questions. The answers have been published on two pages. To get to the second set of answers, press “Click here for the next set of answers!” at the bottom right of the page, or click HERE.

If you would like to get involved with the conversation on 100% Imps, you can join our Shrewsbury Town v Lincoln City Match Thread! Every page view helps raise money for Lincoln City Football Club!

First up, the answers provided by Chris:

How long have you supported Shrewsbury Town?

Since 1974.

Where did you finish last season?

15th. Would be happy with that this year.

What do you think of your Manager?

Great appointment with lower league experience.

What are your hopes and expectations for the 2020/21 season?

Just hope our decent squad can perform to the best of their ability. Expect Steve to sort out our defence. We have several players of 30 plus. We need some younger players to give us more pace all over the pitch.

One(s) to watch?

Dan Udoh and Mat Millar.

Which teams you think will finish in the top six in League One?

Hull, Ipswich, Portsmouth, Sunderland, Peterborough and Lincoln.

Which teams do you think will finish in the bottom four in League One?

Hopefully Burton, Swindon, Rochdale and Northampton.

What are your thoughts on Lincoln City?

A well-run club with a solid fanbase. Might just do a Wycombe and sneak up.

What do you think the score will be?

1-1. Town to win on 4-2 on penalties.

Random fact about your Club?

Won the Welsh Cup 6 times. We are in England. Honestly.

If you could steal one Lincoln City player for your own team, who would it be and why?

We have good enough players. Just need to start turning draws into wins.

What are your proudest and most embarrassing moments as a Shrewsbury Town supporter?

Quite a few to be honest. Coming from 2 down to draw with Liverpool in FA Cup last season is up near the top. We really should have won that night.

Getting relegated to the Conference after losing 2-3 to Carlisle.

Who would you say is your most underrated player?

Brad Walker. Versatile and goes about his job quietly wherever he plays.

Do you have a Supporters Trust and what role do they play at the Club?

We have a Supporters Parliament. They are a vital link between the club and the supporters. Worked massively hard to get the safe standing in the Meadow. That was no small task but they got it done in the end.

Which was your favourite match involving Shrewsbury Town?

Last season we won at Stoke in FA Cup replay. 2 down and never looked like scoring. Then scored 3 in 8 minutes. That was unforgettable.

Which was your least favourite match involving Shrewsbury Town?

Play-off final loss to Rotherham. Second defeat at Wembley in the same season. The manager Paul Hurst had cleared his desk the day before the game. He was never coming back the next season.

Do you have a Former Players Association at Shrewsbury Town?

I don’t think we have one.

What is the best thing about Shrewsbury?

The wonderful walks along the River Severn.

Ricketts: A good decision to sack him and should he have gone last season? Was his football as negative and boring as it was against us in both games last year?

Good decision. He had no league experience when he came to us. Only the early finish to last season saved him. We had a tough last 12 games which never took place. We never scored enough goals and created very little some games. Painful to watch at times.

Still missing Gay Meadow or are you now settled at the new place?

Gay Meadow will always have a place in the hearts of the older town fans. Financially the club needed the new ground. Hard to believe it’s been 13 years.

Have you forgiven us for the events at Wembley, especially the early challenge by Matt Rhead on your keeper?

Forgiven but not forgotten. I wonder what VAR would make of it all. Matt Rhead’s assault and the handball on the goal line.

The second set of answers:https://t.co/LfSe5gqtrn#Salop #ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps pic.twitter.com/vYfxSi4v63

— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln1) December 8, 2020