Shrewsbury Town have appointed Berkshire local Gareth Ainsworth as their new manager, returning to a first-team role after his exit from Queens Park Rangers earlier this year.

The 51-year-old, who played for non-league Woodley United and lives in the area, is best known for his long-standing association with Wycombe Wanderers.

An EFL stalwart, the experienced campaigner spent 11 years in charge of the Chairboys, taking them into the Championship for the first time in 2020.

He kept former club QPR up in 2022/23, at the expense of Reading, but was sacked last season after a run of sixth successive defeats.

Salop sit bottom of League One and are six points adrift of safety. 

They were supposed to be visiting Reading on Saturday but the match was postponed due to international call-ups for the Royals.

Shrewsbury Town Chairman Roland Wycherley MBE told the club website: “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.” 

Director of Football, Micky Moore added: “I’m delighted to welcome Gareth and Richard to the football club. 

“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.”