Shrewsbury 'to lose £1m in revenue' after relegation

Michael Appleton joined the club last month after Gareth Ainsworth's exit

Shrewsbury Town could be facing a "£1m decrease" in commercial revenue in the wake of relegation to League Two, according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire.

Town are guaranteed to finish bottom of League One after relegation was confirmed on Friday and defeats to Wigan and Northampton over the weekend.

Speaking to BBC Radio Shropshire, Maguire laid bare the impact of dropping down a division after 10 years.

"The biggest difference for Shrewsbury Town will be the broadcast income will be cut by a third, so it'll be around £700,000 next season," he said.

"They will not be generating the same level of ticket sales. There are some pretty big hitters in League One this season like Birmingham City and Wrexham.

"Trying to persuade commercial partners to sponsor a League Two team is more difficult. I'd expect overall to see around a £1m decrease in revenue.

"That'll have an impact on signing players and jobs as well."

Maguire added that while there will be some money given to the club from the EFL, there is nothing in place like parachute payments from the Premier League.

"There is a small element, tens of thousands. It will not move the dial. In the Premier League if you get relegated, it is £45m. Between League One and Two we're talking buttons."

'It makes my skin crawl'

Shrewsbury head coach Michael Appleton held little back as he waits for a decision on his future.

He arrived at the club last month following Gareth Ainsworth's exit, and has spoken of his frustration with the squad's mentality.

"If I'm here, I can't tell you how different things are going to be. There is a softness to the group that makes my skin crawl," he said.

"[A decision] allows me to be more forthright with people when they have a better understanding of what is happening next year."

Shrewsbury end the season with matches against Barnsley and Crawley Town.