Southbound: Shawbury FC 'home' matches to be 40-MILES away - in Ludlow

Shawbury Utd FC said it will be switching from the Butler Sports Ground in Wem to the home of AFC Ludlow from next season. It means fans will be forced to complete a return journey of about two hours on matchdays to watch the team.

Shawbury currently sit 10th in the Midland Premier League. AFC Ludlow folded last summer.

Although remaining tight-lipped about the decision to leave the ground in Wem club bosses say the move will help secure its future.

A club statement said: "This is a decision the club has not taken lightly and has been carefully deliberated over by many for many weeks.

"People have already speculated over our future. Whilst we are not in a position to divulge the details of our reasons to leave, what can be said is that this decision is the best one in order to secure the future of the football club.

"We are absolutely delighted that we were quickly and smoothly able to negotiate and sign a deal with Ludlow football stadium, in conjunction with Shrewsbury Town in the Community. The stadium meets the requirements at our level of football and offers a superb facility for Shawbury Utd to continue to progress as a football club. The club's already strong link with the development manager of Shrewsbury Town in the Community, Steve Brotherwood, had enabled this transition to promise much to look forward to in the future."

The club said it will hold discussions at the end of this season about transporting fans to games in Ludlow.

"We have not forgotten our loyal fans from Shawbury, Wem and surrounding areas," they said.

"The club will be working over the close season on potential transport methods to and from Ludlow for those fans who wish to continue supporting the club next season and beyond.

"We thank you all for your patience in this matter and will happily discuss with anyone in further detail," the club statement added. It is believed the club still hopes to play home games in the village in future.