Malcolm Starkey, Chic Bates, Jake King and Steve Cross are the latest Legends
Graham Turner, one of the original 10 inductees to Shrewsbury Town's Hall of Fame, has hailed last night's second Greenhous Meadow Legends Evening as a big success.
President Mal Starkey's long association with Shrewsbury Town was recognised along with Chic Bates and Jake King, two men who both played and managed the club, and Steve Cross, a key figure in arguably Town's most successful side in the late 1970s and early 1980s, was also granted a place in the Hall of Fame.
The four were inducted after votes were cast by Shrewsbury Town supporters although Jake King was unable to make it in person owing to a prior commitment and was represented by his youngest son Ryan.
"It was a good night and four good people have got in," said the Town manager. "We know Mal Starkey's contribution well enough and what he's done for the club in various roles, a terrific servant to the club.
"Crossy, Chic and Jake have all contributed greatly to the history of the club.
"It's important to recognise the history, the legacy, that some people have left for the club, the halycon days of playing in what is now the Championship and beating teams like Chelsea and Newcastle here.
"Even going to Stamford Bridge, Upton Park and St James' Park and getting away wins at clubs of that size, I think it's a great part of the history of the this club and it's nice for players and officials to be recognised."
Mal Starkey has served Town as a player, trainer, coach, kitman, stand-in groundsman, caretaker manager (three times), physio from 1969 through to 2002, associate director and now president.
Delighted to be inducted to the club's Hall of Fame, he said: "It is a great honour. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who voted for me - the ones that didn't, I'll forgive you!"
Steve Cross, the utility player who scored 52 goals in 294 Town appearances between 1977 and 1986 when he signed for Derby County, said being granted club legend status was a very proud moment.
"This is voted for by the supporters to that's the big thing for me, that people remember you from your playing career here at Shrewsbury," he said. "It's a big honour and quite humbling actually."
Chic Bates added: "I had obviously many happy times at this club over the years. It's nice to be one of these legends and I've really enjoyed the night.
"In football you work hard at it all the time and then you get the rewards from supporters who recognise that."
The crowd were also entertained by an after dinner speech from Steve Claridge, the much travelled striker turned BBC TV and radio pundit, and comedian Jed Stone.
An auction, which included the use of an exectuive box at the next home game against Sheffield United and a signed Steven Gerrard Liverpool shirt, also raised funds for the club.
Commercial sales executive Andrew Tretton said “We were delighted with the way the evening went. It was great to see the four legends inducted, and even with what they have all achieved in their careers, you could really see how much it meant to them. Steve and Jed were fantastic entertainment, really topping off what was a great night. Special thanks also to Pure Telecom and Matt Sandford who sponsored the occasion, along with everyone who attended, as this support helps us to hold such successful events“
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