Shrewsbury Town ground could host more rock concerts

The first steps have been taken towards securing a gig at the Oteley Road ground in May 2016, although it is understood any deal remains some way off.

Matt Williams, the club's chief executive, said he had been in discussions with a company that had put on Rod Stewart concerts in Blackpool and Brighton about a potential gig, although the potential identity of acts involved has not been disclosed.

It comes after fans pressed club officials about the possibility of more music concerts at the ground following the success of an Elton John gig four years ago. About 16,000 music fans attended and the event was hailed as a success, but it has remained the ground's sole major concert to date.

Other major acts have come to Shrewsbury in recent years, but the likes of Jessie J and Travis performed at The Quarry in the town centre.

The concerts issue came up at a recent Shrewsbury Town Supporters' Parliament meeting as part of a wider discussion into how to the club could make more money out of corporate ventures at the ground.

Mr Williams told fans that he had spoken to potential developers about creating a pub or supporters marquee.

Other proposals include filling in the four corners of the ground between the stands by creating room for hotels or office space.

Mr Williams, in response to questions about concerts at the club's stadium, said: "There's a company in Lytham St Annes who put on Rod Stewart at Blackpool and Brighton and I've been badgering them to get something here," said chief executive Matt Williams.

"Six weeks ago I got a text out of the blue from them saying they might have something for May 2016 and I said I was interested.

"He said he wants two nights with two different acts so I sent him a proposal but I'm waiting to hear something back.

"I've had a couple of conversations with the people who have put Elton John on but they have said they're not interested in putting anything on at that time."

Other clubs at a similar level to Shrewsbury have staged concerts at their grounds. The Ricoh Arena – home to Coventry City who will play against the shrews in League One next season – has played host to some of the biggest acts in the music industry, although the Sky Blues have seen little benefit as the club doesn't own the ground.