The Re-taming of the Shrews
This week, we’re heading to Shrewsbury Town and their New Meadow ground.
We are down in the Midlands for the weekend visiting family and friends, and while we are there, I am taking the opportunity to tick off another of the 92, and a club I visited at their old ground on a few occasions.
I always enjoyed visits to Shrewsbury Town’s old Gay Meadow, despite some appalling results for Stoke City.
In particular, I remember a 4-1 defeat where we were soundly thrashed. The Stoke fans decided to ignore this and started chanting and cheering like we were the team winning 4-0.
After scoring a late goal, you would have been forgiven for thinking we had turned it around and won 5-4, judging by the celebrations. 😂
The New Meadow is a far cry from the Gay Meadow, another case of an atmospheric, quirky ground lost to time and replaced by a modern-fit stadium.
It remains to be seen if it is an upgrade, but it’s fair to say that the Gay Meadow had seen better days by the time it closed.
As always, I look forward to it, with the added bonus of seeing loved ones this weekend.
Apologies for the Shakespeare-style headline; my puns are getting out of control.
I can already envision Bill Shakes rolling his eyes in disappointment.
But. I. Just. Can’t. Stop. Myself.
Anyway, let’s get on with the review, shall we?
The Journey – Part One
We travelled down on Friday, catching the 08:45 #65 bus to Durham.
Arriving at 09:15, we scaled Mount Durham’s east face and arrived at the summit with plenty of time to spare.
Our 09:53 Cross Country train to Derby arrived at 10:04, and deposited us in Derby at 12:30.
Annoyingly, this meant we had to wait for an hour because we were about 5 minutes late, although we had pretty much bargained for catching the later train anyway before setting off.
It’s not our first rodeo!
The 13:26 to Uttoxeter arrived on time, and by 13:50, we were in my hometown.
My son picked us up from the station and took us to my mother’s house, where we will be staying until Monday.
We spent a few hours there before heading down to The Old Star for a few drinks with old friends.
Always great to see two of my oldest friends, but with having to be up early in the morning, I probably overdid the ‘enjoying’ a little too much. 😂
The Journey – Part Two
Gameday began with a ‘Ugh!’ as I rolled out of bed around 07:45.
We walked down to the railway station, and the 1.1-mile walk shook off some of the cobwebs.
We caught the 08:49 East Midlands train to Crewe, arriving at 09:42.
Our connecting train was a Transport Wales service, which arrived on time at 10:10.
We arrived in ‘Amwythig’ at 10:45, reliably informed that this was Shrewsbury… I speak not a jot of Welsh, so I’m glad there were dual-language announcements.
While we get our bearings, why not have a read about the town?
Shrewsbury
The town of Shrewsbury is the county town of Shropshire, in the West Midlands region of England.
It lies on the River Severn, around 15 miles west of Telford and 44 miles northwest of Birmingham. The Welsh border is a little over 9 miles to the west, with Wrexham 30 miles to the northwest and Hereford around 53 miles to the south.
Uttoxeter is 46 miles to the northeast, while Hetton-le-Hole is a distant 220 miles to the northeast.
At the 2021 Census, Shrewsbury had a population of 75,992.
Shrewsbury takes its name from the Old English ‘Scrobbesburh‘, meaning either ‘Scrobb’s fort‘ or ‘the fortified place of the scrubland‘. The Normans struggled with the original pronunciation and called the town Salopesberie, which also gave rise to the name Salop and the term ‘Salopian‘ for someone from Shrewsbury. Even today, whether the town should be pronounced ‘Shroozbury’ or ‘Shrohzbury’ remains a matter of debate.
HG EDIT: There is no debate; it’s ‘Shroozbury’!
Shrewsbury’s story stretches back well before the town itself. Archaeologists have discovered evidence of Neolithic activity dating back to before 2000 BC, along with Bronze Age burials and Iron Age remains. The Romans also occupied the surrounding area, and a settlement developed beside the Roman road connecting Viroconium Cornoviorum, now Wroxeter, with Caersws in Wales.
The origins of Shrewsbury itself lie in the Anglo-Saxon period. It may have developed as early as the 5th or 6th century as the nearby Roman city of Viroconium declined. Some traditions identify Shrewsbury with Pengwern, an early capital of the Kingdom of Powys, although historians continue to debate its exact location.
By the 10th century, Shrewsbury had become important enough to have its own mint. Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians and daughter of Alfred the Great, strengthened the town’s defences in 914 as part of efforts to protect Mercia against Viking attacks.
Medieval Shrewsbury
The Norman Conquest brought major changes. William the Conqueror granted Shrewsbury to Roger de Montgomery, who became Earl of Shrewsbury. Around 1074, Roger built Shrewsbury Castle, while in 1083 he founded Shrewsbury Abbey as a Benedictine monastery.
Its position close to Wales made Shrewsbury strategically important throughout the medieval period. Armies, kings and Welsh princes regularly passed through the town, and conflict sometimes arrived at its gates. In 1234, forces led by Llywelyn ab Iorwerth and Richard Marshal burned much of Shrewsbury and laid siege to the castle.
Edward I frequently used Shrewsbury as a base during his campaigns in Wales. In 1283, he summoned a parliament in the town during the trial of Dafydd ap Gruffydd, the last native Prince of Wales. Dafydd was subsequently executed in Shrewsbury.
Despite these conflicts, trade flourished. Shrewsbury developed into an important market town, particularly through its connections with Wales. Its medieval street pattern remains remarkably intact today, while surviving timber-framed buildings provide a glimpse of the prosperous town that developed during this period.
Life was not always easy. The Black Death reached Shrewsbury in 1349 and appears to have killed a significant proportion of the population. Another disaster followed in 1394, when a fire at St Chad’s Church spread through the largely timber-built town. The destruction proved so severe that Richard II waived Shrewsbury’s taxes for three years to help with reconstruction.
Shrewsbury later prospered through the wool trade, particularly Welsh wool brought across the border. Drapers became some of the town’s wealthiest and most influential citizens, helping fund many of the distinctive buildings that survive around the centre.
The town again found itself caught up in national events during the English Civil War. Initially held for Charles I, Shrewsbury served as an important Royalist stronghold before Parliamentary forces captured it in 1645.
Georgian and Victorian Shrewsbury
Unlike many towns in the Midlands and the North, Shrewsbury was never dominated by heavy industry during the Industrial Revolution. Instead, it continued to thrive as a market, administrative and commercial centre serving Shropshire and mid-Wales.
Industry still left its mark. The Ditherington Flax Mill, completed in 1797, used an innovative iron-framed construction and has since gained recognition as an important ancestor of the modern skyscraper.
Transport improvements brought further growth. Roads and later railways strengthened Shrewsbury’s position as a regional hub, while Georgian and Victorian development expanded the town beyond its medieval centre.
Shrewsbury also produced its most famous son during this period. Charles Darwin was born in the town in 1809 and spent his childhood there before developing the ideas on evolution and natural selection that would transform our understanding of the natural world.
Post War
Shrewsbury escaped the widespread wartime destruction suffered by many British industrial towns, allowing much of its historic centre to survive into the post-war period.
The town expanded considerably during the second half of the 20th century, with new housing spreading into surrounding areas. Retail, administration and services became increasingly important to the local economy, while Shrewsbury continued its traditional role as the main commercial centre for much of Shropshire and parts of mid-Wales.
Today, the town remains an important transport hub. Five railway lines meet at Shrewsbury railway station, while the A5 and A49 provide major road connections across the region.
Shrewsbury also retains an unusually rich architectural heritage. More than 660 listed buildings stand within the town, including medieval timber-framed properties, Georgian buildings, Shrewsbury Castle and the remains of Shrewsbury Abbey. The River Severn loops around the historic centre, giving the town its distinctive shape.
From an Anglo-Saxon stronghold on the Welsh frontier to a prosperous medieval trading centre and modern county town, Shrewsbury has spent centuries adapting without losing sight of its past.
Its medieval streets, timber-framed buildings and riverside setting give Shrewsbury a character that survived industrialisation and modern redevelopment remarkably well.
Notable People from Shrewsbury
Racehorse trainer Mark Brisbourne, TV and radio presenter Andy May, filmmaker Rob Savage, Commonwealth Games gold medalist Sarah Adlington, and golfer Sandy Lyle.
There are a few actors hailing from Shrewsbury, including: Max Brown, Nick Conway, Laurie Kynaston, Natalie Lisinska, Tim Preece, Adam Rayner, Rebekah Staton, and Amir Wilson.
Of course, Shrewsbury’s most famous son is naturalist Charles Darwin.
Around Town
After sheltering from the rain at Shrewsbury Coffeehouse, we took a brief walk around, taking in some of the town’s fabulous architecture.
Unfortunately, Shrewsbury Castle had scaffolding around it, making the view from the train station the best available.
However, Shrewsbury is a town with great architecture coming out of its proverbial ears.
Everywhere you turn is a building that demands attention, from narrow black-and-white-timbered buildings to soaring steeples, castles, and quirky structures.
Amidst all this, we decided we were more ready for food than a pint, and came across Mother Hubbard’s chip shop restaurant on Castle Street.
A sit-down meal sounded good, and we enjoyed our food there. Decent food at a reasonable price, all whilst avoiding another shower.
With food in our bellies, we decided we were now ready to find a watering hole.
We turned left down St. Mary’s Street and left again onto Wyle Cop, where we came across our chosen pub.
Nag’s Head
The Nag’s Head is a narrow building that looks like it has been there for a very long time.
Inside, the bar is in front of you as you enter, while seating extends a ways into the back room, with a beer garden at the back.
I bought a Moretti and a Guinness, costing over £13, so I’m glad we weren’t feeling like having more than one!
We took our drinks to the back room and sat next to a bunch of Northampton Town fans who we got talking to.
They were good company, so a big thanks to them for including us in their day out together.
After our pints slowly disappeared, we headed off to begin the long walk to the ground.
The New Meadow is a 2.3-mile walk from the railway station, and the round trip added to a total of over 9 miles walked that day.
The walk was pleasant enough, with a crossing of the River Severn along the way.
Eventually, we arrived at the ground, catching our first glimpse as we crossed the railway line.
Shrewsbury Town – The New Meadow
Around the Ground
We walked around the ground before entering.
The walk from town brings you to the northeast corner, with the option to go straight on or turn right.
We turned right, which took us past the six Northampton Town supporter coaches and the fan zone beyond.
There were occasional banners of ex- Shrews’ legends hanging from the walls of the otherwise bleak-looking stands.
The club shop was in the southeast corner, although there were no programmes for sale, and I didn’t like the pin badges, either.
Shrewsbury have completely changed everything this season, ditching the traditional blue-and-yellow stripes for a dark blue kit reminiscent of Millwall and Dundee.
The club crest has also changed, with a silver crest replacing the traditional ‘Loggerheads’ town badge (the three leopard heads taken from the coat of arms of Shrewsbury) with a retro silver affair that I wasn’t keen on.
This has been done for the club’s 140th anniversary and is a nod to the past. Great for supporters who fancy a change, but I preferred the idea of getting my pin badge from eBay and a design that more reflects my memories of the club.
Getting In
We bought our tickets online via the Fanbase App, costing £28.00 each!
Is it just me, or does that seem a lot for League Two football?
Last season, I visited Gillingham (£24.00), Cheltenham Town (£19.00), Salford City (£21.00), and Chesterfield (£22.00).
All well under the price Shrewsbury were charging for today’s game.
West Stand
Once our tickets were scanned, we found ourselves in the West Stand’s concourse.
Each of the four stands has a similar layout, being a single-tier, covered structure.
The West Stand is the biggest of the four stands, with a capacity of 3,317 seats.
As is usually the case, the stand we were in was the one I had the most difficulty photographing.
Once in my seat, I rapidly became aware of a problem.
Not only were tickets quite expensive, but there had been no mention of restricted views when I bought them, either.
From my seat, the media area completely blocked a good portion of the pitch to my left. This meant I had no choice but to stand to see what was going on.
Disappointing.
Salop Leisure Stand
To our right is the Salop Leisure Stand.
With a capacity of 1,955 seats, this is the main area for the Shrews’ more vocal supporters.
On the west side of the stand, the rear-most area is dedicated to disabled supporters, while the eastern-most upper rows have been converted into a safe standing area.
Roland Wycherley MBE Stand
Opposite us is the main East Stand, known as the Roland Wycherley MBE Stand.
The stand is named after the current Shrewsbury Town chairman and has a capacity of 2,741 seats.
This stand contains the players’ tunnel, dressing rooms, and hospitality areas.
Another section is available for disabled supporters at the southern end of the stand.
North Stand
To our left is the North Stand, with a capacity of 1,796.
This is where away supporters at the New Meadow are housed, and there was a decent number of Cobblers’ fans at the game (582).
The northeast corner houses what appears to be a crowd-control booth, while a small digital scoreboard sits at the rear centre.
Each stand has artwork on the inside of its end supports, which is a nice touch.
Shrewsbury Town – New Meadow Gallery
Shrewsbury Town Tidbits
The Shrewsbury Town Football Club was founded on 20th May 1886.
This followed the demise of Castle Blues, one of numerous football teams operating in Shrewsbury at the time. Several former Castle Blues players joined the new club.
Town initially played at the Racecourse Ground at Monkmoor, before moving successively to Ambler’s Field in 1889, Sutton Lane in 1893 and the Copthorne Barracks Ground in 1895.
Shrewsbury became a founding member of the Shropshire & District League in 1890 and joined the Birmingham & District League in 1895. The club won that competition in 1922/23.
By then, Shrewsbury had established a permanent home. In 1910, the club moved to Gay Meadow, a picturesque ground beside the River Severn that would remain its home for the next 97 years.
Election to the Football League
Shrewsbury transferred to the Midland League in 1937 and immediately enjoyed one of the most successful seasons in its early history. Town won the 1937/38 Midland League championship, scored 111 league goals, and also lifted both the Welsh Cup and Shropshire Senior Cup.
Further Midland League championships followed in 1945/46 and 1947/48. After another strong campaign in 1949/50, Shrewsbury and Scunthorpe United were elected to the Football League as part of its expansion from 88 to 92 clubs.
Town therefore began its first Football League campaign in 1950/51, competing in the Third Division North.
Arthur Rowley and the Rise to the Third Division
Following further restructuring of the Football League, Shrewsbury became a founder member of the new Fourth Division in 1958. They were immediately promoted, finishing runners-up in 1958/59.
The period became closely associated with Arthur Rowley, who arrived as player-manager in 1958. One of the most prolific goalscorers in English football history, Rowley scored his 380th Football League goal in April 1961, surpassing Dixie Dean’s existing record.
The same season produced one of Shrewsbury’s best cup performances. Town reached the League Cup semi-final after defeating Everton in the quarter-final, before losing 4–3 on aggregate to Rotherham United.
Shrewsbury remained in the third tier for 15 years before suffering relegation in 1973/74. The stay in Division Four lasted only one season, with Town finishing runners-up in 1974/75 to secure an immediate return.
Graham Turner and the Second Division
The late 1970s began the most successful league period in the club’s history.
Shrewsbury won the Third Division championship in 1978/79, with Graham Turner taking over as manager during the campaign. More than 14,000 spectators attended Gay Meadow for the 4–1 victory over Exeter City that secured promotion to the Second Division.
Town also enjoyed a memorable FA Cup run that season. They defeated First Division Manchester City 2–0 before reaching the quarter-finals, where Wolverhampton Wanderers eventually eliminated them after a replay.
Another FA Cup quarter-final followed in 1981/82. Shrewsbury defeated reigning UEFA Cup holders Ipswich Town in the fifth round before losing to Leicester City.
Town remained in the Second Division for ten consecutive seasons, from 1979 until 1989. This period established Shrewsbury at the highest sustained level in the club’s history and saw victories over several leading clubs (including Stoke).
Shrewsbury also enjoyed considerable success in the Welsh Cup, winning the competition six times overall. Their victories came in 1891, 1938, 1977, 1979, 1984 and 1985.
Relegation and the 1994 Championship
Shrewsbury’s decade in the second tier ended with relegation in 1988/89. A further relegation in 1991/92 eventually returned Town to the fourth tier.
Under manager Fred Davies, Shrewsbury recovered strongly and won the Division Three championship in 1993/94, returning to the third level.
Two years later, the club made its first appearance at Wembley. Shrewsbury reached the 1996 Football League Trophy final, but lost 2–1 to Rotherham United.
Town returned to the bottom division in 1997 and narrowly avoided relegation from the Football League in 1999/2000, surviving on the final day with a 2–1 victory at Exeter City.
Relegation from the Football League
The 2002/03 season produced contrasting extremes.
Shrewsbury recorded one of its most celebrated FA Cup victories when two goals from Nigel Jemson secured a 2–1 third-round win over Everton at Gay Meadow. Chelsea ended the cup run with a 4–0 victory in the following round.
League results deteriorated sharply, however, and Shrewsbury finished bottom of the Third Division. After 53 consecutive years in the Football League, Town was relegated to the Football Conference.
The absence proved brief. Under Jimmy Quinn, Shrewsbury finished third in the Conference in 2003/04 and defeated Barnet on penalties in the play-off semi-final.
Town then faced Aldershot Town at Stoke City’s (then) Britannia Stadium. The match finished 1–1 before goalkeeper Scott Howie saved three penalties in the shootout. Trevor Challis converted the decisive kick, returning Shrewsbury to the Football League on the first attempt.
Farewell to Gay Meadow
Shrewsbury reached the League Two play-off final in 2007 after defeating Milton Keynes Dons in the semi-finals. Bristol Rovers won the Wembley final 3–1, but the season also marked the end of an era.
Town left Gay Meadow after 97 years and moved to a purpose-built stadium on the southern outskirts of Shrewsbury. The new ground staged its first match in July 2007 and is now known as the Croud Meadow due to sponsorship.
Shrewsbury returned to the League Two play-off final in 2009, losing 1–0 to Gillingham following a 90th-minute goal.
Former manager Graham Turner returned to Shrewsbury in 2010. After narrowly missing promotion in his first season back, Turner guided Town to second place in League Two in 2011/12, earning automatic promotion with 88 points.
Relegation followed in 2014, but Shrewsbury again responded immediately. Micky Mellon took charge and led Town to another second-place finish in 2014/15, securing an immediate return to League One.
Cup competition also provided notable occasions. Shrewsbury faced Chelsea in the League Cup in 2014 and reached the FA Cup fifth round in 2015/16, when Manchester United ended their run.
The 2017/18 Season
The 2017/18 campaign became one of Shrewsbury’s strongest modern seasons.
Under Paul Hurst, Town began the league season with a 16-match unbeaten run and eventually reached Wembley twice.
The first appearance came in the EFL Trophy final, where Lincoln City won 1–0. Shrewsbury then reached the League One play-off final, but Rotherham United won 2–1 after extra time.
Despite missing promotion, the campaign represented the closest Shrewsbury had come to returning to the second tier since relegation in 1989.
Recent Years
The FA Cup has continued to provide memorable matches. During 2019/20, Shrewsbury recovered from two goals down to draw 2–2 with eventual Premier League champions Liverpool at the Croud Meadow before losing the replay 1–0 at Anfield.
The COVID-19 pandemic subsequently curtailed the League One season, with final positions determined on a points-per-game basis.
Under Steve Cotterill, Town later finished 12th in 2022/23, their best league position for several years. A period of managerial change followed, with Matt Taylor, Paul Hurst, Gareth Ainsworth and Michael Appleton all taking charge.
After ten consecutive seasons in League One, Shrewsbury was relegated to League Two at the end of 2024/25.
The man currently in the Shrews’ hot seat is Gavin Cowan.
They Played for Shrewsbury Town
Ian Atkins, Mark Atkins, Mark Barham, Dave Bennett, Elliott Bennett, Ian Black, Tom Bradshaw, David Button, Leon Clarke, Kenny Clements, Jamie Cureton, Charlie Daniels, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, David Edwards, Rob Edwards, Leo Fortune-West, Brian Gayle, David Geddis, Anthony Gerrard, Ben Godfrey, Connor Goldson, Andre Gray, Bryn Gunn, Dean Henderson, Grant Holt, Jim Holton, Robert Hopkins, Chris Humphrey, Dominic Iorfa, Daniel James, Nigel Jemson, John Kay, Steve MacKenzie, John McAtee, John McGinlay, Bernard McNally, Steve Morison, David Moyes, Steve Ogrizovic, David Pleat, Marc Pugh, Jimmy Quinn, Doug Rougvie, Arthur Rowley, Gary Shaw, Gylfi Sigurðsson, James Tavernier, Ivan Toney, Graham Turner, Richie Wellens, Zak Whitbread, and Ian Woan.
Arguably the most notable player to pull on a Shrewsbury shirt in recent years is ex-England goalkeeper Joe Hart.
A good number of players and managers have represented both Shrewsbury Town and Stoke City over the years. These include:
Sam Aiston, Chic Bates, Noel Blake, Tyrese Campbell, Cliff Carr, Wayne Clarke, Sam Clucas, Andy Cooke, Gerry Daly, Louie Donowa, Alan Durban, Niall Ennis, John Gayle, Gary Hackett, Tony Henry, Dean Holden, Sammy Irvine, Paul Johnson, Tony Kelly, Liam Lawrence, Paul Maguire, Gary Megson, Lewis Neal, Vince Overson, Leigh Palin, Nigel Pearson, Graham Potter, Romaine Sawyers, Mike Sheron, Neville Southall, Simon Sturridge, Mickey Thomas, Gavin Ward, and Ryan Woods.
Shrewsbury Town – Pre-Game View of The New Meadow
Shrewsbury Town v Northampton Town – The Game
Form
Coming into today’s game, Shrewsbury have managed just one victory in their opening four league games.
This came in a 1-0 home win over Salford City, sandwiched between defeats by Barnet, Rochdale and Fleetwood Town.
They have scored just two goals, while conceding eight.
Given this start, they unsurprisingly sit near the bottom of League Two, though it is still very early in the season.
Northampton Town arrive at the New Meadow following last season’s relegation.
They are faring slightly better than the Shrews, and have six points from their opening five games.
Their problem has been too many draws. If they can start turning these into victories, they should start rising up the table.
That said, I can only see today being another drawn game.
Pre-match prediction: Shrewsbury Town 1 Northampton Town 1
Kick-Off
Summary
With match highlights and a match report available below, I will keep this section very brief.
The Cobblers were a disappointment to their supporters, who booed them at the end of the game. Credit to their players who stood there and took it while applauding the travelling support.
Their performance was pretty woeful, and the Shrews were deserved winners.
From the 8th-minute opener to the second goal before half-time, Shrewsbury looked comfortable despite their poor start to the season.
Northampton did improve a little in the second forty-five, but the result was never in danger.
The cobblers will need to improve from this if they are to avoid another relegation battle.
I’m sure they will be fine.
We may run into them again at the Sixfields later in the season, depending on train costs.
You can read a full Match Report here, courtesy of the Shrewsbury Town website.
Full-time – Shrewsbury Town 2 Northampton Town 0
Attendance – 5,003
Entrance Fee – £28.00
Programme – N/A
Shrewsbury Town v Northampton Town – Match Highlights
League Table After Today’s Game
Up Next
Next up for the Shrews is a trip to Crewe Alexandra (Edit: finished 1-1) on September 19th.
September ends back at the New Meadow with the hosting of Colchester United (26th).
October begins with a trip to Grimsby Town (3rd), before Exeter City come to town on the 10th.
Northampton return to Sixfields next Saturday to face Rotherham United, who were also relegated last season (EDIT: lost 0-1).
September ends with a trip to Vale Park (26th), before hosting Oldham Athletic to kick off October (3rd).
They will travel to the newly promoted York City on October 10th.
Shrewsbury Town Thoughts
A couple of pretty large negatives didn’t put a damper on our trip to Shrewsbury and the New Meadow.
I thought ticket prices were excessive for League Two football at £28.00.
Couple this with the (very) restricted view from our seats, and it left me disappointed, but overall our experience was still a positive one.
While on the subject of negatives, there was no programme available on the day, though a team sheet was being sold for £1.00.
I didn’t bother at that price for a single sheet. There are non-league teams that knock out whole programmes for £1.00.
Shrewsbury itself is a wonderful town to visit, with lots of architecture and pubs to see and visit.
The ground itself is compact, modern and tidy, and the addition of safe standing has helped inject a little atmosphere to the home section.
As an old terrace hound, I still hanker for the days of the Gay Meadow and its quirky features. Fans of a certain age will never forget Fred Davies (not to be confused with the Shrews manager of the same name) and his coracle, fishing footballs out of the adjacent River Severn.
Times have to move on, though, and the Shrews fans now have a fantastic new home for the foreseeable future.
I just hope that next time we meet, the New Meadow is more favourable for Stoke City than the old place ever was!
Shrewsbury – After the Game
Following the final whistle, it was time to make the walk back to the train station.
Another 2.3-mile stroll, and this time we decided to take a small detour and cross the English Bridge back over the River Severn.
This route still brought us back onto the same road we had used to walk to the ground from the Nag’s Head.
We were back at the railway station for 18:00, with Mrs Hopper clutching a Greggs coffee we had picked up along the way.
Our 18:29 Transport for Wales train departed on time, dropping us off in Crewe at 18:57.
We caught the 19:26 East Midlands train to Uttoxeter, arriving at 20:05.
After walking back into town, we had a few more drinks at the Old Star, a pub you should definitely visit if you are in the area to watch Uttoxeter Town or for the horse racing on a Saturday evening.
Sunday was spent with my mother, before travelling back home on Monday.
Normally, I finish with the words ‘Another successful Hop in the books!’, but it’s always so much more than successful when I return home.
Seeing family and friends is always fantastic and makes me realise how far from home I am.
It also makes me thankful for the people I have met in the Northeast, who have made me feel like I now have a second home.
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Next Up for Hoppers Guide
Next week will see us far closer to home, with a short trip to Park View AFC in Chester-le-Street.
After lengthy trips up to northern Scotland and the Midlands, it will be nice to scale the miles back a little.
Park View AFC’s Riverside Sports Complex is one of only three grounds I still need to visit to complete the Northern League.
Once next week’s trip is completed, I will just have Stokesley Sports Club and Redcar Town left to visit.
Technically, I have already seen Park View play a home game, but this was when they were still known as Chester-le-Street United and playing at the Ford Hub in Sunderland.
It will be much nicer to see them in their own hometown, on their own ground, and as always, I look forward to it.
On to the next!
