2004/2005 Preview - Shrewsbury Town

LAST SEASON

Play off joy back in May for Shrewsbury as they bounced back into the football league at the first possible opportunity..

WHAT HAVE THEY BEEN UP TO THIS SUMMER?

It's been a pretty quiet summer at the Meadow following their promotion. Into the squad have come John Grant, Ben Smith and Stuart Whitehead whilst their official site seems to indicate that only Ian Dunbavin has left.

WHO ARE THEIR FAMOUS FANS?

It's the Whos Who of exactly who? at Gay Meadow as they line up with three famous fans - Radio Presenter Chris Hawkins, Pete Poslethwaite from When Saturday Comes and Derek Smalls from Spinal Tap..

5 THINGS THE LOCALS SAY ABOUT SHREWSBURY

1. "Shrewsbury's place to be in summer HAS to be "THE ROCK" in the quarry. Its perfect, just over in the derelict side of the park, away from all those footballs and frisby's is a peaceful tranquil calm place to just chill on that sunny afternoon. If your in luck the fit tanned rowers at the boys school will be out! PHwoar!"

2. "Don't have chips from the China Rose, the woman's got lurgies. You can buy Pig Ears from the Victorian Arcade"

3. "I have lived in this poxy little town for a number of years now and realised that there is nothing here for anyone , unless you're a slug etc. Best thing: Knowing that it can't get any worse. Worst thing: Can't get a licence to get a decent club/scene together due to ultra conservative council! Shrewsbury: The town where all blokes walk as if they've got a carrot stuck up their arse. Advice: My advice to anyone stuck in this town is GET OUT BIG STYLE!!!"

4. "'ell what can I say about Shrewsbury? I reckon I'd start by describing it: A quiet little (?) town in Shropshire - but as they said in the film Aliens "This place is dead. Whatever happened here we missed it." Nice place to retire to."

5. "I hate the fact that every driver in to town has their indicators removed as soon as they pass their test"

ARE WE ANY GOOD AGAINST SHREWSBURY?

In a word, no. Just 14 wins in 52 outings against the Shrews with 19 of those being draws. Shrewsbury hold a 12 goal advantage in the meetings. Just one win in the last nine meetings also doesn't bode well. For the full list of results, click here

WHEN DO WE PLAY THEM?

20th November we head North to Gay Meadow while Shrewsbury are the guests for the last ever league game at the Vetch on April 30.

IF I WANT TO FIND OUT MORE WHERE DO I GO?

Shrewsbury return to the Football League and with it, Blue and Amber returns to the Rivals network - welcome back.

WHAT ARE THEIR CHANCES NEXT SEASON?

Three years ago you would always back them to be there or thereabouts but times seem to have changed and I cannot see them rising any higher than 18th next season.

Why not check out the latest Vetch Verdict on the BBC site?