Shrewsbury Town v West Ham: Excitement in build-up to sell-out cup clash

TV studios are being set up, extra pies have been ordered and additional staff have been drafted in ahead of the big match on Sunday.

Club chief executive Brian Caldwell said: everyone at New Meadow is busy ensuring everything is ready in time.

“It’s more than just a game of football," he said.

“The game will be broadcast live on BBC1 so we’ve got engineers currently building a studio in the south west corner of the stadium, and from what we understand, it looks like Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright will be here in Shrewsbury to present the show.

“There’s a real buzz about the place. There’s about 50 or 60 more staff on site, if not more, and we’ve got camera platforms being built because it’s going to be beamed around the world. which is great not only for the club but for the town too.”

Fans wanting to get their hands on a ticket will now have to join a waiting list for any returns after they sold out yesterday.

Mr Caldwell said a sell-out crowd means extra pies have to be ordered to feed the 8,000 Shrewsbury fans and 1,700 travelling supporters.

He said: “We have actually just started working this season with an outside catering company called MPM Catering who are local to Shrewsbury.

“We had to tell them it would be a sell-out so they could get in enough drinks and pies for everyone.

“There’s so much to think about with a big game like this but at the end of the day, all of the staff and I are just happy when the game starts and finishes and we know everyone got out safe.”

Mr Caldwell added: “I hope everyone will come along early and just enjoy the day.

“We’ve got a fan zone set up in the car park where there will be live music and food, things like that.”

The London-side drew 1-1 at Tottenham Hotspur last night and the CEO said he hopes the local derby will go in Shrewsbury’s favour.

He joked: “I’m hoping they’re feeling tired and have picked up a few niggles before they get to us.”