Shrewsbury Town v Wolves: Dave Edwards can’t wait for the ‘friendly derby’

Edwards, who left Molineux in 2017 after nine years, 287 appearances and 44 goals from midfield, returned home to Shrewsbury before fate intervened and handed him the chance of a remarkable FA Cup reunion.

The Welshman is fighting a fitness battle to be given the green light to make the bench for boss Sam Ricketts – also formerly of Wolves – at Montgomery Waters Meadow on Saturday.

It is cruel luck that a run-out in the final moments of his Salop return two Saturdays ago against Charlton brought on a groin injury.

Edwards, 32, knows more than most the history behind this tie. He knows more than most how much it means to locals.

There is a huge Wolves following in Shropshire and Town supporters of a certain vintage remember the quarter-final of 1978/79 – a thrilling chapter of the all-time great Shrewsbury season.

Edwards was born in February 1986, some seven years before Ian Atkins netted from the spot in front of more than 40,000 fans at Molineux to bring the last-eight tie back to Gay Meadow, where 16,279 gleeful fans somehow packed in like tinned sardines.

But through his father Randle and late grandfather Charlie, Shrewsbury fans, he heard the tales on many occasions.

“Any Shrewsbury fan from that era will say how great it was,” said Edwards of the Second Division title-winning campaign.

“It’s something I’d love to be a part of, in terms of getting to the Championship and being a part of that group of players.

“Days like this will help that. In 78/79 there was the Cup run. To be mentioned in the same breath as the 78/79 squad would be incredible.”

One other landmark day in the Town’s blue and amber history is January 4, 2003.

Edwards remembers that one well. A youth-teamer at the time – he would make his first-team debut five months later – the wide-eyed, blonde haired 16-year-old had the best view inside Gay Meadow as David Moyes’ top-flight Everton were sent packing thanks to a Nigel Jemson beauty.

“I was ball boy for that game,” he added. “The first-year YTSs had to scatter ourselves around the pitch, but I had the best view so we didn’t mind! They were memorable days and, again, it’s still remembered fondly now. If we can be the generation that does it again – whoever gets the winner on Saturday will go down in folklore.

“It’s a big incentive for all the boys. We know we need to improve our league form and move up the table, but days like this are very special. If you can get a result it’ll be a day you remember for the rest of your life.”

Edwards experienced his share of blood and thunder Black Country derbies – Wolves versus West Brom – and was in Salop ranks that battled with Wrexham, Chester and Co in the early 2000s.

He knows the prospect of Saturday’s clash, the 11th meeting of the clubs (three Shrewsbury wins, four Wolves wins and four draws), is a different kind of local derby.

“While there’s a rivalry between the two clubs, I always think that it’s quite friendly,” he said.

“It’s not as hostile as Wolves and Baggies or anything like that. Obviously the size of the clubs are different – and Shrewsbury would be first to admit that.

“Wolves look at Shrewsbury in a fond light, a good football club from a lovely area and I don’t think there’s any hatred in any way.

“I think they’re really excited for the tie as well, just down the road, getting to play at a stadium quite tight, hard to get tickets for, all of that sort of thing.

“It’s set up for a special game. For Shrewsbury fans it’s the big boys down the road. If you could get one over on them it’ll be a special day.”

The clamour for tickets has been pretty relentless, with supporters snatching up the chance of a slice of history.

With Wolves’ prominence in the county, there are likely to be some with mixed allegiances.

“Ever since the draw was made I’ve been inundated with messages off Wolves fans, again none whatsoever negative in any aspect,” added Edwards.

“Then you get the hundreds of people asking for tickets which are obviously impossible to get.”

Edwards added with a smile: “I imagine there are quite a lot of Wolves fans that have managed to get Shrewsbury end tickets.

“Hopefully they won’t get a goal and it’ll be us celebrating.”