Appleton in talks over new Shrewsbury contract

Michael Appleton has drawn two and lost five of his seven games in charge of Shrewsbury

Michael Appleton is in talks with Shrewsbury Town over a new long-term deal as manager.

The 49-year-old was appointed on a contract until the end of the season after Gareth Ainsworth's sudden departure to Gillingham last month.

He had nine games to save them from relegation but was unable to keep the Shrews in League One, having inherited a side which was already nine points from safety.

They were relegated on Good Friday to end a 10-year spell in the third tier and will finish bottom.

Appleton wants to stay and there is a belief a deal will get done and he has already spoken of his desire to extend his time in Shropshire.

He told BBC Radio Shropshire this month: "We're due to sit down next week, I think it's Tuesday, to discuss what potentially could happen. It's something that hopefully will be a positive discussion.

"When I first came in, the first interview, it had been a while. As an individual, you've got to find out if that fire's still burning, that passion. What I have found out is that it's burning more than ever.

"I love being on the grass, that's what I do best. But I've enjoyed the other side of it, trying to build and shape the team in a different way. The feedback I've been getting from players, staff and fans has been positive."

Former Manchester United midfielder Appleton has also managed Portsmouth, Blackpool, Blackburn , Leicester, Lincoln, Oxford, where he earned his first promotion, and Charlton.