Bernard McNally: Never miss out on a visit to Wembley

If we don’t get automatic promotion then we’ll hope for a second Wembley trip. They can say ‘In 2018, we visited Wembley twice’, writes Bernard McNally.

This Shrewsbury team and Paul Hurst deserve all the support. The fans going will enjoy themselves – sometimes fans in smaller numbers out-sing the bigger numbers, let’s hope that is the case.

I feel quite sad for the people that have railed against it and are not going. It’s a pity because in 20 years’ time I’m sure their views will change and they’ll probably say ‘I wish I hadn’t done that’. ‘Was it really that important? I should’ve just gone and supported my team’.

League Two Lincoln will be tough, the Cowley brothers have got a good team. You just hope everyone can perform on what is a fantastic occasion for the players.

When I go back to one of my old teams, Hednesford Town, they’ve got pictures of the FA Vase they won a number of years ago. For players, it’s a great occasion. You’re going to Wembley – our national stadium – whatever the competition. For the players, their wives, girlfriends and families, it’s a great occasion.

I’ve been very fortunate in my career to play there myself and I’ve got the photos still now. It’ll be exactly the same for these players.

Icing on the cake will be a first Shrewsbury Town win at Wembley. But again, like in the league under Paul Hurst this season, it’s another one to put the club and town firmly on the map. Teams all over the country will be looking at us. It’s also great for attracting other players, a good shop window.

Times like this go by so quickly, in the blink of an eye it’s all done and dusted. You’re hoping for really fond memories.

Without a shadow of a doubt it would be fantastic for Paul’s CV if he could say he was the first Town manager to win at Wembley.

The entire season has been a major achievement but if you can add that accolade that you’ve won a trophy, it would further enhance his career. The players will be watched and chairmen up and down the country watching Paul.

It was great to see Omar Beckles and Jon Nolan included in the League One team of the season, as well as Paul as the manager. Two players at a good age on long deals.

Omar stepped into an unnatural position and has done tremendously. I think he’ll be a key man for three or four years in a central role.

It’s no surprise people are recognising Jon Nolan. He scores and creates. There will be lots of teams watching him.

Injuries, like to Abu Ogogo, Alex Rodman and Toto Nsiala, happen. When things go wrong they start to go in threes and fours!

Paul will deal with the problems. He will turn them into challenges and carry on making progress.

What a game for the players having to step in! Sometimes football hands you opportunities like that. Those players really have to stick their chests out.