Shrewsbury Town appoint Ainsworth as head coach

“From the moment we started the recruitment process, Gareth and Richard were our number one targets,” said Town’s director of football Micky Moore. “It is a massive coup for Shrewsbury Town to have them here.

“I’ve known Gareth for a long time. He was the stand-out 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.”

Long-serving Shrewsbury chairman Roland Wycherley is in the process of trying to step down as the owner of the Shropshire club.

Ainsworth, who has worked as a match summariser in the media over the past 12 months, is Wycherley’s 15th and probably final appointment after 28 and a half years at the helm.