Shrewsbury set to introduce England's first safe standing area at New Meadow in 2018

Shrewsbury are set to launch England's first safe standing area in 2018.

The League One club have reached their financing target via Tifosy - a crowdfunding initiative founded by former Chelsea boss Gianluca Vialli - and will look to install rail-seating for over 500 fans in a section of New Meadow.

Shrewsbury are not prohibited under all-seater legislation because they have not played above the third tier of English football since the law's introduction in 1994, but the plans are subject to Ground Safety Authority licensing.

Campaigners hope that, following on from the installation of nearly 3,000 rail seats at Celtic in 2016, its introduction at New Meadow will help persuade politicians to modify government policy and permit the modern form of standing at all grounds in England and Wales.

Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore is hoping to conclude a consultation with all 20 top-tier clubs on the issue before the end of 2017.

Jon Darch, operator of the Safe Standing Roadshow, said: "This is a major milestone for safe standing.

"With the money that nearly a thousand fans from clubs all over the country raised being topped off by the great contribution from FansBet, the funds are now in place for Shrewsbury to continue the formal licensing process put in place by the Sports Ground Safety Authority to enable clubs in their position to install rail seating.

"They can now look forward to a groundbreaking launch of their safe standing area early next year. Celtic have shown that safe standing works in Scotland. Now Shrewsbury are going to show that it will work in otherwise all-seater grounds in England and Wales too."

Shrewsbury moved from Gay Meadow into their home at New Meadow - a 9,875 all-seater ground on the edge of the Shropshire town - in 2007.