Why Shifnal roadworks stopped Southampton from training ahead of Wolves U23 clash

The Saints' under-23 side lost 3-0 to Wolves U23s at Telford's New Bucks Head on Monday evening but had earlier been forced to postpone a morning session on Shifnal Football Club's Phoenix Park.

Shifnal Town club chairman Pete Bradley said that due to the road closure in Coppice Green Lane, the Southampton team coach couldn't get to the pitch down the diversion route through country lanes.

The Shropshire club has previously hosted Premier League and Championship sides including the likes of Sunderland, but the Saints were forced to cancel their session.

Mr Bradley said: "Occasionally we have Premier League and Championship sides asking to play on the pitch if they're playing the Wolves. Occasionally they stay in Telford and ask for an hour's training on the pitch.

"We warned Southampton about the roadworks but thought they'd be okay. They came in a full coach not a mini-bus and abandoned the session.

"They were playing Wolves in the evening and were upset that they couldn't come and train. But they did say they would make a donation which is a nice gesture."

"We've accommodated Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland a couple of years back. They know it's a good service, the teams will come and do a bit of training there. It's good to try and build links with these teams."

The session was set to take place on Monday between 10.30am and 11.30am.

Mr Bradley said he understood that the roadworks needed to be done but said the club had been significantly affected.

"It's a terrible lane down the road to the A5, he added. "The social club has been affected, even our own team are finding it awkward to get back, particularly after a night game, with it being dark.

"It's definitely affected us. At this level of football, every pound counts. I know they've got to do these works, but the last two or three years the same work was done. It always seems that Shifnal Town gets affected.

"It's just made life very awkward for us. We've invited teams back to the club after the game and provide refreshments. They're asking where the club house is and it's five miles down the road because of the diversion. Today, clubs are fighting to exist and it is annoying having extra problems."

Shropshire Council is carrying out the work, which could continue until October.

Councillor Steve Davenport, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Shropshire Council are aware of a number of issues relating to the works on Coppice Green Lane and the various concerns of local residents. The works are of an urgent nature due to pedestrian safety concerns and must therefore be carried out during the school summer holidays for the minimum impact to all.

“The signed diversion route is the best alternative for minimum inconvenience during the work. It is appreciated that this is a rural lane that must be driven with caution with the increase in vehicular traffic. However, we are working with both our consultants and contractor to ensure the closure periods are kept to a minimum and will reopen the carriageway when possible."