Tea from the boss as hundreds of Shrewsbury Town fans queue for Chelsea tickets
Ticket frenzy hit Shrewsbury today as fans snapped up seats for Town's match against Chelsea.
Hundreds of fans queued for hours to get their hands on tickets for the Capital One match on October 28.
Shrewsbury Town boss Micky Mellon was among club staff handing out tea and coffee to those who braved the blustery weather after kiosks opened early to cope with the demand.
Mellon said he was delighted with the turnout and support from fans.
Tickets went on general release this morning and were limited to just three per person. By 10am just 1,200 out of 9,000 remained.
People travelled from across the Midlands and as far away as Wales and Stourbridge to snap them up.
Kiosks were due to open at 9am but as queues formed around the car park, bosses made the decision to open the booths early.
Daniel Gilbert, 36, from Meole Brace, was queuing to get two tickets - one for him and one for his son Harrison, aged eight.
"I am a huge fan of the Town," said Mr Gilbert. "I have been been three times this month for various matches but because I just come across the buy the tickets on spec I don't get loyalty points, which is why I had to come and stand in the queue. I didn't tell Harrison I was coming just in case I didn't get any."
Taxi driver company owner Barry Alexander, 42, from Wem had the dilemma of only being able to get three tickets - but having four football mad sons, one of whom is an avid Cheslsea fan.
"I didn't tell them I was coming to try and get tickets as I didn't want to get their hopes up. They are aged between six and 15 and are big Shrewsbury town fans. One also loves Chelsea. I hope they won't be disappointed," he said.
Paul Wootton, a 52-year-old project manager had travelled from Stourbridge to buy his tickets.
"I have supported Shrewsbury Town for more than 40 years. This is too good an opportunity to miss and I will bring my son Archie, who is 14 and his friend George, 12," he said.
Among those who had queued for more than two hours was retired nurse Bill Williams, 72, from Monkmoor, Shrewsbury. He was hoping to buy three tickets, one for himself, one for his son and one for his grandson, aged 10.
"I always support the Town," said Bill, who had joined the queue at just after 8.30am. "I was at their game on Saturday when they beat Cheltenham. My grandson Jack loves football and it is a real chance for him to see top quality players on his home turf. It was damn cold standing in the queue but it will be worth it."
Town boss Mellon said: "It was just a fantastic turnout and shows the appetite of the local community for games such as this. It proves to us how important it is to try and secure games likes like in the future for the club.
"The fans are terrific and it gives us a real boost."
