This Saturday (28 March) Newport County take on Shrewsbury Town at Rodney Parade for Matchday 40 of League Two.
Shrewsbury currently sit 19th in League Two and have seemed to have escaped any battle of relegation.
Here is everything you need to know about our opponents.
The History
The current Shrewsbury Town was formed in 1886 and became a founding member of the Shropshire & District League in 1890.
The Shrews saw some early success, especially in the 1937/38 season when they moved to the Midland League, in which they won a league and cup treble.
After consistent performances, Shrewsbury were moved to the old Division Three of the Football League following its expansion.
The Shrews also became founding members of the Fourth Division in 1958/59 and won promotion in their first season.
In recent history, Shrewsbury have had their own ‘great escape’ as Kevin Ratcliffe helped them survive on the final day.
However, the 2002/03 season saw The Shrews relegated from the Football League after 53 years.
Last season, Shrewsbury were relegated from League One and currently sit in the bottom half of the League Two table.
The Form
Salop currently sit 19th in the league with 41 points and are 11 points away from relegation.
Shrewsbury struggled through the start of the season as they lost four of their first five games, with the only non-defeat being a goalless draw against Bromley.
Although The Shrews recently won five games in a row, slowly rising away from relegation but have lost their last three matches.
In the FA Cup, Shrewsbury made it to the third round after defeating South Shields and Sutton United until ultimately losing to Wolves.
However, they could not make it past the first round of the EFL Cup after losing 3-1 to Grimsby Town.
The Manager
Gavin Cowan is the current Head Coach of Shrewsbury Town after being appointed halfway through the season due to poor results.
The former Shrewsbury player started his managerial career at AFC Telford, where he was appointed in 2018 up until 2021 where he would manage Brackley Town.
During his time at Brackley, he won the National League North as well as being named National League North manager of the season.
However, Cowan resigned in January 2026 to join Shrewsbury and has since won manager of the month following his success.
The Captain
Will Boyle is the current captain of Shrewsbury Town since he arrived in the summer.
Boyle has featured in all but one League Two game for The Shrews this season as well as contributing at both ends of the pitch.
The defender is a veteran EFL player having played for Cheltenham Town, Wrexham, York City and Huddersfield Town.
In his first season at the club, Boyle has kept ten clean sheets this season as well as scoring three times and providing three assists in the league.
Ones To Watch
One player to look out for is Sam Clucas.
The midfielder has provided five assists this league campaign as well as scoring twice.
He is also the team's highest-rated performer.
Sam Cox has also been crucial to The Shrews’ defence since joining in January.
The goalkeeper has kept three clean sheets since joining the club.
Cox has also saved three penalties since joining, being a key asset to the squad.
