Prior to Christmas we were extremely humbled to learn of a £1,000 donation being made to Shrewsbury Town in the Community in memory of Kenneth Lovgren following his sad passing earlier in the year.

In memory of Kenneth, we wanted to share a few details about his fascinating connection with Shrewsbury Town Football Club.

In 1983 on completion of his coaching badges, Kenneth wrote to a number of top clubs across Europe including two top clubs in England; asking for the chance to improve his knowledge through observing professional players and coaches train. From the many requests, Kenneth received two replies; one such reply was from Graham Turner.

Kenneth jumped at the opportunity to work alongside Graham, came across to the UK and fell in love with Shropshire. Here his connection with Shrewsbury Town began, and his nickname ‘Swedish Shrew’ came to light. Whenever possible Kenneth would spend his Saturday’s following Shrewsbury’s progress, even doing so on iFollow.

Kenneth’s infectious nature and passion for the club meant that he would often talk about the exploits of Shrewsbury Town to his colleagues back in Sweden; creating a small collection of supporters thousands of miles from Shropshire. Kenneth’s colleagues now have a Shrewsbury Town badge in their office, a permanent reminder of Kenneth and his passion for the Shrews.

Martin Berry (Kenneth’s friend of 14 years) spoke of his love for Kenneth,

‘I was so lucky to have known him, people talk about nice people but Kenneth was so humble and genuinely nice. Kenneth was friends with everyone and had such a huge impact on the people of Shropshire. His family never knew how much impact he had on friends’.

Kenneth came over to the UK once or twice a year; often bringing new Shrewsbury Town fan recruits in his son and friends. If you were lucky enough to see him at the ground, there is no doubt he would be wearing his favoured 1999-2001 replica shirt. Kenneth’s name is even on the safe standing wall’s ‘role of honour’ an accomplishment that made Kenneth ever so proud.

Following his passing, a collection was organised by Martin Berry and Daz Carding with the intention of purchasing a flag in Kenneth’s memory for the ground. The money raised exceeded all expectation, highlighting the love for Kenneth around the world. The money raised included a generous contribution from his work colleagues in Sweden; knowing exactly how much the club meant to Kenneth and what such a gesture would mean.

Kenneth was equally as vocal of the work of Shrewsbury Town in the Community and was extremely passionate about football being an equaliser; giving opportunities for able-bodied and disability participants the chance to enjoy the game.

The remainder of the money raised, has therefore very generously been donated to Shrewsbury Town in the Community. The £1,000 donation will be invested in continuing to give everyone the opportunity to fall in love with the game as Kenneth did.

‘Just knowing it’s going to something that Kenneth was passionate about is fantastic; the thing that makes me proud to support the club is the work that STitC do’ – Martin Berry.

Following COVID Kenneth’s wife and family are planning to fly over so they can see just why Kenneth fell in love with Shrewsbury and Shrewsbury Tow Football Club. – If you see them, be sure to give them an amazing Salop welcome.