Football club employee 'gave warmest of welcomes'

Tributes have been paid to a Shrewsbury Town football club staff member who stood on the players' entrance for more than 20 years, following her death from cancer.

Pam Coe would greet everyone "with the biggest of smiles" and always give players "the warmest of welcomes and be on hand to treat them to a hot drink or biscuit", the League One club said.

Shrewsbury are asking fans to take part in a minute's applause during the 71st minute of the next home game against Bristol Rovers on Tuesday.

Ex-player Dave Edwards said she was a "big part of the Salopian family who will be hugely missed".

Posting on X, the former Wales, Shrewsbury, Wolves, Reading and Luton Town midfielder wrote: "Pam really was such an amazing person. I used to love our chats and the KitKats and cups of tea she used to sneak to me on match day!

"Thoughts and condolences with Dave and the rest of Pam's family."

Shrewsbury Town said they were "heartbroken to announce our much-loved staff member" had passed away and the players' entrance at the Croud Meadow "simply isn't going to be the same without Pam".

The club stated as well as being an integral figure on a home match day, she travelled away with partner Dave and would help "our medical staff and kitman load and unload all their equipment".

"A woman who truly loved Shrewsbury Town, she was the first person players, staff and officials met on a home matchday," the club said.

"Everyone at the football club is going to miss her dearly."

Shrewsbury defender Morgan Feeney said on the social media platform: "Pam was the kind of person who'd always make sure everyone else was alright before herself.

"Her kindness and smile will be missed by everyone at the club."

Crewe Alexandra's former Town defender Mickey Demetriou said on X: "Thoughts are with you and your family Pam, you always made everyone feel so welcome every time they see you."

Former Shrewsbury Town defender Matthew Pennington, who now plays for Blackpool, said: "Pam was one of the heartbeats of the club and a lovely woman who helped myself, my wife and our families feel at home during our time in Shropshire."

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