Making history

As many supporters will have seen, a 'Buy a Brick' scheme for the New Meadow has recently been launched. The scheme is being run by the Super Blues Club, with all profits made been used to help fund extra facilities at the stadium, such as an electronic scoreboard and a retractable tunnel.

So far the scheme has been a great success with over 400 orders received. The idea is that supporters can purchase a brick with an inscription of their choice which will be laid in prominent positions outside the new stadium. This will be either in the walkway outside main reception or in a special wall between the South Stand and the training pitch.

There's lots of choice when it comes to ordering your brick. You can have a 'single' with two rows each of fifteen letters/characters or a 'double' with four rows of fifteen. You also have the option of black or gold lettering. Prices start at just under £40 and go up to £85.

With your brick comes a special commemorative certificate in full colour. These have been very well received so far and look great framed and put on display.

What's more you can even purchase an exact replica of your brick for display at home, in the garden, at work or wherever you like. A replica brick, along with the certificate, is the perfect demonstration of your support. It would also make a very nice present for any Shrewsbury Town fan.

Little things mean a lot

Fans have used their inscriptions to proclaim their support. Some have also taken the opportunity to remember past fans with touching tributes. These will be placed in a special memorial section of the above wall when the stadium is complete.

Every inscription is unique, but with the volume of orders already received, it is very interesting to look at how Town fans have chosen to celebrate their loyalty.

Not surprisingly a major part of the orders have come from Shrewsbury, with a further large number from the wider Shropshire area. However orders have come from all over the country, particularly the East & West Midlands, The Marches, Cheshire and the London/South East areas. 'Buy a Brick' also extends far beyond the UK with orders from Jersey, France, Texas USA and even Iceland.

So far the greatest number of requests has been for single bricks, although double bricks have proved popular with many. Both black and gold options have been chosen, with the balance slightly in favour of the former.

A wide range of inscriptions have been selected, although there are some clear favourites. Most popular are message of support or 'name checks' from family groups. Often this is combined with significant dates, such as a birthday, anniversary or even a past appearance as mascot against a big club. Almost as many people have chosen messages featuring the word 'forever', be it in relation to STFC, Shrews, Blues or the like.

A little way behind are messages based on the popular cry of 'Come On You Blues', along with other calls of support such as 'Up the Town/Blues/Shrews or Salop'. Almost equally popular are inscriptions which mark the length of support, or first match attended. These go back 30, 40 and even 80 years. And, for many, the simple message 'STFC For Life' says it all.

Geography is also important with many choosing to identity their home town/village/estate after their own name. Almost as many have chosen to prefix 'Shrews' with their own location. For example, there are the Wenlock, Wirral and Worcester Shrews. Less obviously we also have the Didcot, Geordie and even the Scarlet (from Llanelli) Shrews

There are lots of other interesting inscriptions. For many the chance to remember a favourite part of the Gay Meadow could not be resisted, including Riverside, Wakeman and Tech End. Several bricks also pay homage to 'The Wyle Cop'. There are also many affectionate references to those associated with the Club in some way, both currently and in the past.

Last but not least there are, not surprisingly, quite a few references to 'Proud Salopian', 'Shropshire Lad' and 'Floreat Salopia'. The closeness to the border reflects a Celtic influence in some inscriptions (C'mon Amwythig!), while the era of the phone text has also left its impression (STFC4EVER!).

Making your mark

While orders have been going very well, there is still time to make your own mark by ordering a brick. Leaflets on the scheme are available at the ground, around town and also from the Club's web site. Orders for phase 1 of the scheme will close on 16th March 2007 to enable these bricks to be laid in April or May as part of the last stages of stadium construction. There will still be opportunity to buy a brick in the future (subject to availability), but to have your brick laid as part of the first phase please remember the March 16th deadline.

What's certain is that, when in situ, the bricks will be a creative and long-lasting record of support from Shrewsbury Town fans for all to see - a real focal point at the New Meadow. Do you really want to miss out on such a great opportunity?

More Information

For more information click on Super Blues Buy a Brick or pick up a leaflet from the ground. You can also email Chris Smith at shrewsawaytravel@hotmail.com or see him in Club Reception immediately before a home game.