Shrewsbury name Appleton as Ainsworth's successor

Michael Appleton's last managerial role ended at Charlton in January 2024

Shrewsbury Town have appointed Michael Appleton as their new head coach until the end of the season.

The 49-year-old former Manchester United midfielder replaces Gareth Ainsworth, who left to take over at League Two side Gillingham.

This will be the eighth appointment of Appleton's 14-year managerial career after spells at Portsmouth, Blackpool, Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City, Lincoln City, Oxford United, where he earned his first promotion, and Charlton Athletic.

He will work with assistant head coach Richard O'Donnell, who was also with him at Lincoln, Blackpool and Charlton.

Town director of football Micky Moore said: "It's been a difficult seven days.

"But once Gareth Ainsworth made the decision to leave, it was important we acted quickly to find the right man to guide us through the remainder of the season.

"Michael was my number one target," added Moore. "I'm thrilled that over the last 24 hours we've been able to get a deal over the line - with Michael and Richard joining us until the end of the season.

"I know the past few days have been difficult for supporters. Nobody likes confusion and uncertainty. But hopefully now, by making this quick appointment, we can all get behind Michael and Richard for the remaining nine games of the season."

Ainsworth was only in charge for four months, winning five and losing 12 of his 22 games.

Shrewsbury are 14 points from safety with nine games left.

Appleton's first game will be against League One leaders Birmingham City on Saturday, just as Ainsworth's was in November, when the bottom club stunned the table toppers to win 3-2.

Living at home was big factor - Ainsworth

Ainsworth has admitted that the chance to move back home to the south-east of England was a big factor in him walking out on Shrewsbury to take the Gillingham job.

Making his first public comments since his appointment, talking to the Kent club's in-house media team, he also revealed that the first contact with the Gills began long before he arrived in Shropshire in November.

"The last week has been crazy," he said. "Coming here was a huge decision.

"Last summer Gillingham approached me and [assistant] Richard Dobson when we were both out of work.

"We held out for something that didn't happen.

"It's a move that excites me because there's a plan in place for the next two seasons.

"And the bonus of living at home is big. Being away from home has been tough for me."