Shrewsbury Town appoint Ainsworth as head coach

Gareth Ainsworth is Roland Wycherley's 15th appointment in 28 years as chairman

Gareth Ainsworth has been appointed as head coach of League One bottom club Shrewsbury Town.

The 51-year-old Lancastrian returns to management after a year out of the game.

After more than a decade in charge of Wycombe Wanderers, which included promotion to the Championship in 2020, Ainsworth left in February 2023 to take over at Queens Park Rangers, one of his clubs during his playing days.

But he lasted just eight months in charge at Loftus Road before being sacked.

Ainsworth replaces Paul Hurst, whose second spell ended last week after just seven months as head coach.

He brings with him long-standing number two Richard Dobson, who will be assistant head coach.

“From the moment we started the recruitment process, Gareth and Richard were our number one targets," said Town's director of football Micky Moore. "It is a massive coup for Shrewsbury Town to have them here.

“I’ve known Gareth for a long time. He was the stand-out candidate. And he is someone I have always admired for the outstanding work he did at Wycombe.

“He brings to this football club an enthusiasm and a wealth of knowledge having managed more than 150 games in League One. He is exactly what we need.

“I’m sure, in time, we will be able to build a football club that will really make the town and our supporters proud.”

Long-serving Shrewsbury chairman Roland Wycherley is in the process of trying to step down as the owner of the Shropshire club.

Ainsworth, who has worked as a match summariser in the media over the past 12 months, is Wycherley's 15th and probably final appointment after 28 and a half years at the helm.

Shrewsbury become the third club of Gareth Ainsworth's managerial career

"I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Gareth and Richard at this difficult time," said Wycherley. "I wish them every success in their endeavours as they work to restore the feel-good factor to our club.”

Shrewsbury sit 24th in League One, having swapped places with Burton Albion as a result of their 2-0 defeat by the Brewers last weekend.

First-team coach Sean Parrish took caretaker charge of both that and Tuesday's 3-0 EFL Trophy hammering at Walsall.

Town are scheduled to return to action on 23 November with a lunchtime home game against title favourites Birmingham City.