League Two club sack manager in desperate bid to avoid falling out of EFL after 22-year stay

Shrewsbury Town have sacked Michael Appleton as manager after 11 months in charge.

The League Two side sit just two points above the relegation zone following Tuesday night’s defeat to Cambridge United.

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Appleton had been appointed in March, with his contract set to run until the end of next season.

However, he has now been relieved of his duties with the club at risk of suffering back-to-back relegations.

Assistant manager Richard O’Donnell has also departed New Meadow alongside Appleton.

Shrewsbury are back in action on Saturday as they host Barnet in League Two.

Shrewsbury statement

In a statement confirming the news, the Shrews said: “Shrewsbury Town can confirm head coach Michael Appleton and his assistant Richard O’Donnell have left the club by mutual consent.

“Michael and Richard have conducted themselves with professionalism and integrity since arriving in Shropshire in March last year.

“We would like to thank them both for all their hard work during their time at the football club. We wish them the best of luck for the future.

“The process of appointing a new head coach is underway. We will update supporters as soon as we are able to.”

Following his appointment last season, Appleton was unable to help Salop avoid relegation from League One.

However, he has since won just five of their 27 league matches so far this season.

The defeat to Cambridge on Tuesday represented a seventh loss in their last eight fixtures in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Shrewsbury have won just one of their last 11 league outings, a run which dates back to November.

Appleton has previously had spells in charge of Portsmouth, Blackpool, Blackburn, Oxford, Lincoln, Blackpool and Charlton.

The Shrews’ drop into the fourth tier, having finished bottom of the table, ended a 10-year stay in League One.

A second successive relegation this term would see the club fall out of the Football League for the first time since the promotion in 2004.

Their 2003/04 promotion-winning campaign is the only season Shrewsbury have spent outside the EFL since becoming members 76 years ago.

More to follow.