Shrewsbury Town swoop to complete deal for Telford forward

The dynamic forward will swap one Shropshire base for another as he signs a two-and-a-half-year deal at the Croud Meadow, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2027. 

The 23-year-old speed merchant has scored 12 goals in his 28 appearances for Kevin Wilkin's Bucks side this season and adds more options for Gareth Ainsworth in the forward areas. 

The Irishman began his career with his hometown club Cork City as a teenager - scoring two goals in nine games - which led him to sign a two-year deal with Coventry. 

After leaving the Sky Blues, Dinanga has also enjoyed spells with Hereford United and Nuneaton before he made Shropshire his home for the first time in July 2023. 

Salop head to south London this weekend to take on Charlton looking to maintain their steady form which has seen them pick up 12 points from the last 10 games. 

And Dinanga, who could make his debut against Nathan Jones' side on Saturday, gave his first interview as a Town player.  

"I'm delighted," he said.  "It's a privilege to be here and I can't wait to get going.

"There was interest from the start of the season. I got a call on Monday and here I am today.

"I started at Cork City back in Ireland and then went to Coventry. I know Shipperz (Jordan Shipley) obviously from my time at Coventry. I've known him for a few years now.

"My favourite position is on the left but I can play left, right, down the middle - wherever the gaffer needs me to!"

Dinanga becomes the third player Shrewsbury have signed from non-league so far this January. He joins Callum Stewart, who signed from National League North side Leamington last week.

And Dominic Gape, who secured his reunion with Ainsworth on Monday, after joining as a free agent from Eastleigh. 

Telford boss, Kevin Wilkin, told the Shropshire Star Salop had hit a release clause in his contract and while he was 'gutted and disappointed', he wished Dinanga well. 

He said: “We had to find some common ground (when re-signing Dinanga) and to be fair to both parties the club will always want a higher (release clause) and the player will always want it lower so they can get out.

“It was part of the deal that got him to come back to us. He’s done exceptionally well for pretty much two seasons now with us and it’s always been his intention to return to the full-time game.

“He’s worked hard at his game; we’ve worked hard alongside him, and he’s got his opportunity now.

“Once a player’s head is turned there’s not really much you can do other than wish him well.

“Ricardo remained focused on his game, but after we played Shrewsbury in pre-season we knew they were keeping an eye on him.

“When you’re scoring and creating goals like he has been for a team in and around the sharp end of the league you’re naturally going to get some interest.

 “It doesn’t come as any surprise. I am gutted and disappointed to lose him, and he’s going to be really difficult to replace, but on the flip side we wish him well."