Classic Programmes #11: Shrewsbury Town vs. Zambia
The latest in our classic programme cover series takes us back to a very unusual game, Bobby Charlton’s final ever match and his only appearance for Shrewsbury Town in a specially arranged friendly against Zambia at their home ground of the time, Gay Meadow. The home team apparently won 4-0; it’s unclear exactly why Charlton appeared for Shrewsbury, though he did do his national service in the area.
Programme cover image once again courtesy of that oustanding treasure trove of football nostalgia, Footysphere.
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Just had a look in the programme and there’s nothing in to say why Charlton was turning out for them just a brief profile of his career. A week later Zambia played Workington AFC of the Northern Premier League and this was said in their programme of the Zambian match at Shrewsbury ..
“Despite the obvious skills and abundance of energy the tourists were defeated 4-0. They were not disgraced however, and according to one report they gave the home side ‘an excellent work out’. Goalkeeper Vincent Chileshe produced a fine display while defenders Rasford Mwelwa and Robert Lutoba caught the eye with confident play in the back four. Their attacking build-ups were good, sometimes much faster than their opponents, but bad finishing proved to be their downfall.”
The article goes on to say that “Shrewsbury had Bobby Charlton guesting for them but even so the crowd at Gay Meadow was a disappointing 2700.”
Shrewsbury’s average league gate for the 78/79 season was 6099. They got promoted as Division 3 Champions and went on to enjoy 10 season in Division 2 (now The Championship) with their highest ever league placing coming in the 83/84 & 84/85 seasons when they finished 8th.