Shrewsbury Town are currently in turmoil with the departure of their manager, the league table and most importantly the failed takeover situation. What’s gone wrong?
The Departure of Gareth Ainsworth
Gareth joined the club in November 2024 after Paul Hurst’s second tenure was cut short after just 7 months at the helm. The former Wycombe boss recorded 5 wins 5 draws and 12 losses for the relegation strugglers with a win percentage of just shy of 23%. He only lasted 22 games at the helm after League two Gillingham met a clause in his contract, but the real reason he left could be due to a promise of a takeover but that appears to have fallen through now.
The Clubs League Table Situation
Shrewsbury Town find themselves rock bottom of League One, 14 points adrift of safety and surely with the sudden change in manager there is no way back now, despite the promising performances from key players such as Mal Benning, John Marquis and George Lloyd picking up a combined 23 goals and assists this season. Their relegation rivals being Burton Albion, Cambridge United and Crawley Town at present, who are all ahead of Salop in terms of form. Is it mission impossible for the Shrews? or could they perform a great escape?
The Failed Takeover
Shrewsbury Town’s potential takeover has been on the horizon ever since Roland Wycherley decided to sell up after almost 30 years of ownership at the Shropshire outfit. Although it was nearing completion, the potential takeover has now fallen through as the unknown American’s period of exclusivity was nearing the end. It is reported that the external party decided that now wasn’t the correct time for them to acquire such a football club due to alleged liquidation troubles in another company although the preferred bidder is still considering it before Monday night’s deadline.
Shrewsbury are not the only club struggling at the moment with League One play-off hopefuls Reading also awaiting new owners as Dai Yongge is forced to sell up. This will be a massive week in the history of both these clubs as they look to steady the ship and look for some certainty moving forwards.
