GAY MEADOW
Gay Meadow was a League ground for 58 seasons
from 1 Jul 2004 to 30 Jun 2007
and from 1 Jul 1950 to 30 Jun 2003
The 160th ground used for a League game
Opened: 1910 • Closed: 2007
TENANTS
Teams that have used this ground as a home
| Team | From | To | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Shrewsbury Town | 9 Sep 1910 | 31 May 2007 | The club was elected into the Football League Division 3 [N] in 1950, relegated to the Football Conference in 2003 and promoted via the Play Offs in 2004. Shrewsbury Town was involved in a Football League Play-Off Match at the neutral venue of Wembley Stadium and moved to the New Meadow in 2007. |
LEAGUE EVENTS
Promotions, relegations and ground moves associated with this ground
| Date | Team | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jul 1950 | Shrewsbury Town | Expansion of Division 3 North |
| 30 Jun 2003 | Shrewsbury Town | Relegated from the League |
| 1 Jul 2004 | Shrewsbury Town | Promoted to the League |
| 1 Jul 2007 | Shrewsbury Town | Moved from Gay Meadow to New Meadow |
GROUND HISTORY
adapted from "The Ultimate Directory of English & Scottish Football League Grounds"
This site had been in regular use as a recreation ground when it was leased to Shrewsbury Town FC by the council in 1910 enabling them to move from The Barracks. When it opened with a Birmingham League game v. Wolverhampton Wanderers Reserves on September 10th, 1910 the only facilities were a small stand on the east side and a redundant railway carriage serving as dressing rooms and it was not until 1922 that these were replaced by a new stand, also on the east side.
The venue was steadily improved during the 1930s with the installation of concreted terracing around the ground, covers on the west side and at the north end and, just prior to WWII the construction of a second stand on the east side adjoining the original structure at its northern end.
The venue was steadily improved during the 1930s with the installation of concreted terracing around the ground, covers on the west side and at the north end and, just prior to WWII the construction of a second stand on the east side adjoining the original structure at its northern end.
Following their admission to the Football League in 1950 the club bought the freehold from the council and, in the 1960s, the main stand was extended to the full length of the pitch and re-roofed.
The capacity at the start of the 2004/5 season was 8,000 with 2,500 seats and the pitch size was 114 x 74 yards. Although subject to regular flooding the site was sold for housing in 2005 and the club vacated in 2007.