Paul Hurst backs Shrewsbury Town safe-standing initiative
Boss Paul Hurst has thrown his weight behind Shrewsbury Town's bid to become the first safe-standing club in the country.
Town aim to set a trend across the English Football Leagues in allowing their supporters to stand at Greenhous Meadow matches as soon as the upcoming season.
And Shrews chief Hurst is in support of the bid, which would require £75,000 to be raised, while admitting that supporter safety must be paramount.
But the Town boss reckons that the standing area, where 'rail standing' is planned for the back seven rows in blocks 7-12 in the Salop Leisure South Stand, will boost the atmosphere on match days.
The club's fans' parliament hope to raise the cash figure via a crowd-funding campaign to pay for the project.
Hurst said: "The important thing is safe – that's the word.
"There are people that still attend football matches that would like the opportunity to stand up. I think ultimately a lot of those fans would add atmosphere to the stadium which can only be good for the team and fellow fans.
"It's not everyone's choice but I think it would be nice if we were a club to get that on board - I'd certainly add my support."
Pioneering Shrewsbury are hoping to follow in the footsteps of Scottish Premiership giants Celtic with the initiative, which is set to affect around 230 supporters that currently sit in the stand.
Letters and emails are being sent to existing season-ticket holders in the affected area, who will be offered the first pick of a safe-standing spot, or to be relocated within the ground.
Premier League club West Brom have previously confirmed they are very keen on the idea, while Aston Villa chiefs would also back the idea.
The scheme comes at an exciting time for Shrewsbury fans, whose side have just returned for pre-season training at the club's new state-of-the-art Sundorne Castle training complex.
The £1million training facility allows players to spend all of their time at the remote base, away from the hustle of the stadium, which will have a new sponsorship name attached to it from the coming season.
Inside the base is a luxury gym, well-sized canteen and spacious physio and manager offices for Town's staff. There is also the grass space of three 11-a-side pitches.
