Shrewsbury appoint new boss who’s managed in Premier League after sudden Gareth Ainsworth departure
03/26/2025 06:39 PM
Shrewsbury Town have appointed Michael Appleton as head coach until the end of the season.
Appleton’s appointment comes after League One side Shrewsbury were rocked by the sudden departure of Gareth Ainsworth, who left to join League Two strugglers Gillingham.
Former Blackpool, Portsmouth and Oxford United boss Appleton has been out of work since he was dismissed by Charlton at the start of 2024 following only four months at the helm.
He will be joined at the Shrews by long-serving assistant Richard O’Donnell.
“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,” Shrewsbury director of football Micky Moore said.
“Michael was my number one target and I’m thrilled that over the last 24 hours we’ve been able to get a deal over the line.
“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.”
Bottom-of-the-table Shrewsbury, who are 14 points from safety, begin Appleton’s tenure at Birmingham on Saturday.
As well as managing a number of EFL clubs Appleton has managed in the Premier League too.
In 2017, he took charge of Leicester for two games in between the sacking of Craig Shakespeare and Claude Puel’s appointment.
He was also named caretaker manager for West Brom’s clash with West Ham in February 2011 before Roy Hodgson was appointed Baggies boss.
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