Proud Shrewsbury Town fans devastated as Wembley woes continue
Shrewsbury Town fans were devastated after losing 2-1 to Rotherham in the League One play-off final at Wembley.
Fans travelled from far and wide to support Salop as they battled it out against Rotherham for a place in the Championship.
The match - Town's fifth loss at Wembley - was one of the biggest games the club has played in decades and proud Salopians turned up in force, with more than 12,000 travelling to London.
The atmosphere was electric as fans rallied together to watch the historic game.
Throughout the afternoon supporters said they were nervous but confident about the match.
Programme seller Rachel Handley knows all about Town’s success this season, and has supported the club since 1996.
She said: “We’ve been here so many times, I can’t contemplate coming back again. It is soul destroying and a bit devastating to say the least.
“It’s a great atmosphere at Wembley, although you could definitely tell fans were feeling apprehensive about the match.
“The mood on the bus here was amazing, and we kept spotting cars on the motorway with Shrewsbury scarves and stickers in the back. I hope Shrewsbury’s success and hard work shown throughout the season continues into the future.”
Blue and amber could be seen all over the stadium - with fans sporting scarves, face paint, wigs, hats and even the odd lion costume - while cries of 'Salop, Salop' could be heard all day.
One devoted fan even travelled from New Zealand to watch the game, while another made it from from Canada.
Matt Hollins, from Shrewsbury, said he was pleased to see so many people getting behind the the team this season, with more people than ever getting on social media and attending on match days.
Matt was at the game with his wife and two children. The whole family was dressed to impress in amber and blue from top to toe.
He said: “I was feeling really optimistic, the team have been really driven and have supported each other throughout.
"Paul Hurst has been a dream, and has been the driving force. He really seems to get it. The match will go down in the club’s history and set standards high for Shrewsbury in the future.”
