Shrews standing up for England's old school

SHREWSBURY, England - Absent from English soccer's top two tiers for nearly 30 years, it is fair to say Shrewsbury Town rarely occupies the thoughts of English soccer fans - but that is about to change.

Last week the club from the quaint Shropshire market town became unlikely pioneers in an increasingly vocal national campaign for a return to safe-standing areas at matches.

Thanks to a crowd-funding scheme with help from the club and local sponsors, what was initially a dream for the club's 'Supporter's Parliament' became a reality as the Shrews unveiled 500 rail seats at its 10-year-old New Meadow stadium.