Shrewsbury Town appoint Gareth Ainsworth as their new head coach

Salop, who have been on the lookout for a new gaffer since previous boss Paul Hurst was sacked 10 days ago, have appointed the former Wycombe man after an extensive search. 

His long-term assistant, Richard Dobson, has also joined. 

The 51-year-old is a coup for the Shropshire side and has been out of work since he was sacked by Queens Park Rangers more than a year ago. 

Ainsworth spent more than 10 years as manager of The Chairboys after being appointed in November 2012, then 39, after an initial spell in caretaker charge.

During that time, he took his side from League Two all the way to the Championship. 

His record at Adams Park saw Wycombe get to three play-off finals and achieve automatic promotion during his tenure.

Shrewsbury Town Chairman Roland Wycherley said: “On behalf of the board of directors, all supporters and everyone connected to Shrewsbury Town – I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Gareth and Richard at this difficult time. 

“I wish them every success in their endeavours as they work to restore the feel-good factor to our club.” 

And Town's director of football Micky Moore revealed he and Ainsworth have a longstanding relationship and that he was their number one target from the outset. 

“I’m delighted to welcome Gareth and Richard to the football club," Moore said.“I think it is a massive coup for Shrewsbury Town to have them here. 

“From the moment we started the recruitment process, Gareth and Richard were our number one targets. 

“I’ve known Gareth for a long time. He was the standout 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.

”The job he inherits at the Croud Meadow is a huge one though, with Town on eight points from their 15 League One games so far. 

The new boss will have time to work with his new players now, with no game this weekend after their clash against Reading was postponed due to international call-ups. He will be thrown in at the deep end with his first game in charge of the Shropshire club will be against Birmingham City a week on Saturday.