By Amanda Lansbury, Vice Chair and EDI Officer
In this edition Amanda chats to Lauren Edwards, Shrewsbury fan and Her Game Too Ambassador ahead of tonights League One game with the Shrews.
As a female supporter have you witnessed an increase in female support at your club since women’s football became more popular?
I only commented to my dad during the home game on Saturday that there seems to be an increasing number of girls attending games! Which is super to see. Seems to be more young groups of girls going down as well so there is definitely a change over the last season or so! Hopefully it’ll continue as the ladies game grows.
How long have you supported Shrewsbury Town and how did your supporters journey begin?
I started following Shrewsbury town in 1996. Shrewsbury got through to the final of Auto Windscreens Shields Trophy. Dad had supported Shrewsbury for years and this gave him the first opportunity to get back to games after having my brother and I. So as a family we went off down to Wembley and I haven’t looked back since. Many years now as a season ticket holder and love to travel away games too.
On to the football, at this point in the January transfer window Shrewsbury have made one signing Killian Phillips from Crystal Palace. Do you feel the club could strengthen the squad further, or are you happy with what you have already?
Phillips appears to have been a very good addition so happy with him joining the squad. However I still feel we could do with strengthening in terms of numbers. We’ve been really unlucky with injuries this season which with a small squad I feel has hampered our progress. We’ve lost two key players in Udoh and Nurse to long term injuries and picked up quite a few knocks to the likes of Bennett, O’Brien and Da Costa along the way. At times the bench has looked very light on options. Things are starting to look a bit rosier and now we can change things up a little but still feel a couple of additions, if exits/money allows, would be beneficial.
How surprised are you with MK Don’s current league position considering we was one point of the championship last season?
It seems to be one of those leagues where last seasons form guarantees nothing. You’ll get teams that do ok, but struggle the following season. You looked good last season when we played away l towards the end of the season. But a lot can change with comings and going over a close season.
How do you think your team will approach the game on Tuesday? ie formation/style?
Hopefully the same as we have the last few games. I doubt the team will change too much and hopefully scoring 9 and conceding just one in last two games will give them a lot of confidence to go and perform with the same freedom as we have been.
What game are you most looking forward to this season and why?
I love away days. We’ve got trips to Accrington and Derby in the next month so looking forward those. Along with a #HerGameToo dedicated fixture at home in March.
What has been your overall highlight since you started supporting the club?
There’s been so many highlights supporting Salop over the years. The two semi final away legs in the playoffs in 2007 (sorry!!) (Boooo Ed) and 2009 are great to relive and talk about as they bring back some fantastic memories. Recent cup runs where we came from 2-0 down to beat Stoke 3-2 and draw with Liverpool to get a reply at Anfield were also fantastic. 2003 when we beat Everton at the old Gay Meadow in the cup. 2017/18 was also a very special season where we ran Wigan and Blackburn so close to getting promotion to the championship only to lose at Wembley was a stunning season and a lot of fun going to all but 4 games home and away. Too many to choose from and definitely hard to only pick one.
Which players do you feel could cause MK Dons some problems on Tuesday?
Shipley can be a very dangerous player. He can cross the ball well and loves a shot from range. Set pieces we are dangerous from with Penno and Dunkley netting a few from corners and set plays this season.
Lastly what is your score prediction for this Tuesday’s game?
I’d be happy with a point now and keep the unbeaten run going into the next home game. Hopefully the lads can recharge after their display Saturday and go out and give another great performance. So I’ll say 1-1!.
Thanks Lauren some fantastic answers, hope the Town fans have a safe journey and we hope to see you back for the Lionessess game on 16th February.
