Sam Ricketts: Shrewsbury Town sack manager after winless run

Sam Ricketts won 28 of his 96 games in charge of Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury Town have sacked manager Sam Ricketts and assistant Dean Whitehead after just one League One win this term with the club lying 23rd in the table.

The 52-times capped ex-Wales defender Ricketts, 39, was appointed in December 2018, when he left his role as Wrexham boss to take the Shrewsbury job.

He led the Town to 18th place in 2018-19 and then 15th last season.

But an eight-game winless run in the league had left his side just one point above bottom club Wigan Athletic.

Ricketts' final game in charge was Tuesday's 2-2 draw away at Milton Keynes Dons when they threw away a two-goal lead.

"Shrewsbury Town can confirm this morning that the club has parted company with manager Sam Ricketts and assistant manager Dean Whitehead," a club statement said.

"The club would like to place on record our thanks and acknowledge their hard work and dedication to STFC and the community and wish them all the best in the future.

"The search for a new manager will begin straight away and the club will aim to find the right candidate as soon as possible."

Ricketts' reign included a memorable FA Cup performance against Liverpool in January when his team came from 2-0 down at home to earn a fourth-round replay at Anfield.