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12 December 2024
Policing West Mercia’s first-ever European football matches has been ‘hugely exciting’, says a Federation member as he looked ahead to a hotly anticipated fixture tonight (Thursday 12 Dec).
PC Chris Rayment has been in West Mercia Police for 11 years, spending the last eight as an operational football officer at games across its territory.
In 2021, he then became the Force’s dedicated football officer at New Meadow, the home of Shrewsbury Town.
Local lad Chris, who has supported Shrewsbury his whole life, is responsible for delivering the matchday operation passed down by silver and bronze commanders at every home fixture while acting as an important link between the club and the public.
Chris (centre) joined at New Meadow by fans of Kazakhstan's FC Astana.
Within this position, he has taken on a secondary attachment to The New Saints (TNS), who are also based in Shropshire – in Oswestry – but play in the Cymru Premier, the highest football league in Wales.
While TNS matchdays usually have a lighter load on police resources, he explained, this season has seen demands change dramatically.
“For the first time in their history, or in the history of any football club within the West Mercia area for that matter, TNS qualified for the full version of a European competition – the UEFA Conference League,” Chris said.
“However, they were told their ground would not meet UEFA regulations, so they reached an agreement to play these games at Shrewsbury.
“From TNS games often being police-free, they suddenly put some big operations on our hands as a force.
“And while it’s been a challenge, I am enjoying every second and I am looking forward for what is still to come.”
This development has put on an onus on Chris to scale up his responsibilities to TNS, where he is expected to perform the role he would on a Shrewsbury matchday – such as engaging with the community in the town centre and assessing for potential public order disturbances – but also adapt to the presence of supporters from overseas.
His work has also been impacted by the fact New Meadow, with a 9,875 capacity, and its surrounding vicinity are ‘completely turned around’ for these continental fixtures, with strict instructions from UEFA on floodlight switch-on times, sterile areas for public access and reserved spaces for teams to warm up in.
So far in the Conference League, TNS have played home matches against FC Astana, from Kazakhstan, and Swedish outfit Djurgårdens.
Tonight (Thursday 12 December), they will welcome Greek giants Panathinaikos to Shropshire, in what is set to be a stern test for the team on the pitch, and for the Force off the pitch.
Chris continued: “When the fixtures were drawn, Panathinaikos did stand out to us immediately – they have a very dedicated and passionate fanbase.
“We will have an increase of resources for this match. From intelligence from the club and the Greek police, we expect between 900 and 1,000 fans will attend, both UK-based and from Greece.
The constable maintained, however, that the arrival of Panathinaikos, whose home ground is the 70,000-seater Athens Olympic Stadium, will not be met with anxiety from the Force but with a sense of enthusiasm and privilege.
“We see it as a really good opportunity which we are very keen for,” continued Chris.
“Of course, as with all matches, the safety of the public is our priority and there will be a public order plan ready to go if it’s needed, but there is no reason for us to go into this with any thoughts of hostility – we are just excited to welcome more international fans to our town and community.
“New Meadow is a great stadium with great facilities, and we feel ready for the occasion.”
Reflecting on the development he has been granted as a police officer from TNS’ European campaign, Chris expressed his appreciation for being involved.
“Being on the inside of UEFA briefings is certainly not something you do every day,” he laughed.
“But as a football fan and someone passionate about their job, it is an honour. Their level of organisation is very detailed and thorough, and that helps us keep the public safe.
“The matches are having a positive effect on our community in Shrewsbury, economically and culturally. I am very proud to be a part of that and a part of some history for our Force, too."
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