A tribute to Jags

Shrewsbury Town Football Club were deeply saddened to receive news that Steve Jagielka had passed away aged 43.

Steve joined Salop in 1997 and is a member of the exclusive '200 Club' having represented Salop on 207 occasions during a six-year stay in Blue and Amber - scoring 23 goals along the way.

Steve will be fondly remembered for being a part of the Town team that orchestrated Town’s great escape victory at Exeter in 2000. Steve also played his part in Town's shock FA Cup victory over Everton in 2003.

Chairman Roland Wycherley MBE:

"We were all shocked and saddened by the news of Steve’s passing. I have nothing but fond memories of his time at Shrewsbury. He gave his all every time he stepped on the pitch and that’s all we can ask for at Shrewsbury Town.

"He will always be remembered for being an integral part of our great escape season and our historic win over Everton in the FA Cup. Steve will be greatly missed, but will always be remembered for his time in blue and amber and for achieving a spot in the exclusive '200 Club.'

"My thoughts are with Steve’s friends and family at this incredibly sad time."

Andrew Tretton:

"I couldn’t believe the awful news when I heard it, and part of me still can’t believe it now. A lovely guy, he helped me so much when I first came to Shrewsbury, and in the years to follow, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that, and I wish I’d had the chance to tell him so.

"I can remember when I first walked in the dressing room at The Gay Meadow, December 97 it would’ve been, there was this loud, confident Manchester lad with blonde spiky hair who went out of his way to make me feel welcome. I thought to myself 'Blimey, some boy this lad, he must’ve played about 200 odd league games already.' I was surprised to find out a few weeks later that he was actually a couple of years younger than me, lol! But that was Jags, not a bad bone in his body, full of confidence and life, and we all loved him for it.

"It’s nearly always the case at sad times like this, that we say what we think of someone and what they mean to us when they’ve gone, which is a shame, but part of life I suppose.

"Jags’ family and friends obviously would rather not want to be reading things like this, but hopefully in time they’ll be able to draw some comfort from all the love, stories, and pictures that we’ve seen in the last few days, and it will make them smile again. My heart goes out to them at this incredibly sad time, and he will be greatly missed by so many. Rest easy mate x"

David Edwards:

"Jags was a hero of mine when I was watching him from the terraces. He was an exciting, skillful, and fully committed footballer who Salop fans took to their hearts.

"It was always strange for me going from standing on the Riverside to sitting in the dressing room, and behind the scenes, Jags was everything a fan wanted him to be and more. He took time to speak to me, help me and go out of his way to make me feel welcome. You could see instantly what a popular figure he was within the team. Whenever you heard laughing and storytelling you could guarantee Jags was right in the mix with his beaming smile always on full view!

"It’s such a sad time for the Salop football family, but I hope his own family can find comfort in all the wonderful things that are being said by people who were lucky enough to cross his path.

"Thank you for everything you did for me mate. RIP"

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