Shrewsbury chairman Roland E Wycherley MBE speaks out on the club’s relegation from League One with new names linked to the manager’s job.
Michael Appleton is negotiating a long-term contract with Shrewsbury Town, where he was appointed manager until the season’s end after Gareth Ainsworth’s exit.
Despite his efforts, Appleton couldn’t prevent Shrewsbury’s relegation from League One, ending a decade in the third tier.
Both Appleton and the club are optimistic about finalising a deal for him to continue as manager.
But national media reports suggest Salop are looking at all options for head coach going forwards including Mark Kennedy and Dino Maamria, as well as Michael Appleton with talks ongoing.
He told BBC Radio Shropshire: “We’re due to sit down next week, I think it’s Tuesday, to discuss what potentially could happen. It’s something that hopefully will be a positive discussion.
“When I first came in, the first interview, it had been a while. As an individual, you’ve got to find out if that fire’s still burning, that passion. What I have found out is that it’s burning more than ever.
“I love being on the grass, that’s what I do best. But I’ve enjoyed the other side of it, trying to build and shape the team in a different way. The feedback I’ve been getting from players, staff and fans has been positive.”
Asked what the club particularly need to improve, Appleton said, per Shropshire Star: “Defending and being better in both boxes.
“Being better in the boxes is what wins most games whether it’s in the Champions League or step five non-league. That is what makes the difference.
“We are a little bit soft in both areas at the moment. I want us to be more aggressive in them.
“I do think there is a lot of stuff to be admired in between both boxes, I think there is a lot of good football being played at the minute that are being ignored or disguised by the actual scoreline, but that’s for me to build on in the coming days.”
👀 National media reports suggest #Salop are looking at all options for head coach going forwards including Mark Kennedy and Dino Maamria, as well as Michael Appleton with talks ongoing with the current HC…@BBCShropSport understands Appleton wants the #Shrewsbury job
— BBC Sport Shropshire (@BBCShropSport) April 24, 2025
CLUB STATEMENT:
A message from the Chairman following our relegation from League One:
The news confirming STFC relegation just prior to kick-off on Friday at home to Wigan, and the manner of the subsequent heavy defeat at Northampton, hurts deeply and the emotions, frustrations, were felt by everyone connected to Shrewsbury Town.
For the past decade, we’ve been proud to compete in English football’s third tier, and I would remind supporters we have been relegated before and as previously, we will do our utmost to make a swift return.
On behalf of the board, I’d like to thank you, our supporters, for the continued backing you have given the team in what has been a challenging year.
The 2024/25 campaign started with promise having secured Paul Hurst’s return. However, despite his best efforts, a return of just eight points from 15 league games – along with defeats in all cup competitions – led to the board making the difficult decision to replace him with Gareth Ainsworth in November.
Gareth brought with him so much early promise, and promises, but achieving 20 points in his first 22 matches and a run of one point from his last eight games left us deep in the relegation zone.
The subsequent manner and speed of his departure with nine games left in our season cannot be underestimated for its effect and impact on supporters, coaches and players and is very difficult to justify.
Once again, the board acted as quickly as possible to secure Michael Appleton’s appointment until the end of the season.
This decision was made to ensure the squad assembled by Paul and Gareth had the best possible chance in our remaining matches.
However, despite some magical moments at times, that squad has not been able to perform with the consistency required to save our season.
I fully understand the timing of our relegation – combined with a recent unsuccessful takeover – has left supporters angry. I also appreciate there is confusion and frustration among the fan base. As a lifelong fan myself, I understand all those emotions.
As I’ve said previously, it was my intention to hand the baton on and step down as chairman this season.
That is still my aim and I intend to leave at the earliest possible opportunity.
I want to sincerely thank our loyal supporters – many of whom have stood by me throughout my 29-year journey – and reassure you that the board and I remain fully committed to protecting our club now and in the future.
My commitment stands firm, regardless of what may be said by doom mongers, social media and some of the local media. During our recent exclusivity agreement, we were prohibited from progressing discussions with multiple other interested parties. To that end I am pleased to report that we have entered into positive discussions with interested parties who are working to acquire the football club.
However, it is our firm belief that negotiations should not take place in the public domain. We believe any serious buyer should be prepared to engage formally and professionally through the proper legal channels with discretion and integrity.
That is the standard we believe in and will continue to uphold as a Football League club established in 1886.
Please can I again reassure you every decision made in the coming days and weeks will be guided by what is best for Shrewsbury Town Football Club.
I will provide another update as soon as I am able to do so with certainty.
Thank you.
Roland E Wycherley MBE
Here’s how fans reacted as the Shrewsbury chairman speaks out on the club’s relegation with new names linked to the manager’s job…
@shrewsrachael: Would like Appleton and hopefully he can rebuild the squad and have a great season ahead
@martindudley20: No doubt a change of head coach will again be recognised as Moores #1 choice
@daleskitt: Circus… oh sorry I’m doom mongering again!
@Reeeeves1969: Go for Kennedy because that way we are least guaranteed not to finish bottom next season
@buntycow: Just looked up Kennedy and Maamria. Neither have an outstanding record as football manager/coaches. What a mess Moore is making of the club I love #chaos
@willthomas67: Why bring Appleton in then? This club is genuinely a circus.
@RuytonShrew: If this is true, then what does it say to the identity Mr Moore promised us? Going from Appleton to Maamria would be such a wild swing in style that you’d have to say we appear to identify with a schizophrenic. #Salop
@stfchewitt: For gods sake! Why can’t the club do something right and just appoint Michael Appleton.. is this Moore trying to save his job by bringing in a ‘yes’ man?
@Alexjm05: Bold approach to look for back to back relegations…#Salop
@Jonnie365: if we don’t keep Appleton, it’s an utter shambles
@Salop_Nathan: Genuinely let Mickey Moore become manager. He’s signed these players now let’s see what he can get out of them and hopefully he might finally take accountability
@tom_Salop: Changing managers for the sake of it? None of them are better than appleton and I don’t think we can possibly get as good as him.
@adeplimmer: Continued ongoing mess
@bowbrookshrew:Doom mongers ? You mean realists ? #Salop 🔵🟠
@markjones53: “Doom mongers” 🤣🤣🤣🤣…. You mean loyal supporters who are seeing our club driven to absolute shit?? Just get out now
@Richard00717614: You normally only trot out “Doom Monger” when things are going ok…..not when you’re going to finish bottom of the league and using non attending ST holders to mask a serious drip in attendances.
@WrexhamTears: More statements than wins. GO AWAY.
@EdSalop1:
Blame Paul Hurst ✅
Blame Gareth Ainsworth ✅
Take no responsibility himself ✅
Somehow protect Micky Moore 🤔
@ChamberlainLuke: ‘Doom mongers’. The arrogance of a man who is overseeing the managed decline of the football club and has issued more statements than ‘magical moments’ this season due to his own failings. Same shit, different statement. It’s always someone else’s fault. Get out.
@BrxdClxrke: Not really sure what Roland classes as a magical moment tbh…also feel like these are just empty words to try and prevent more hate. We’ve all seen what a shitshow this season has been. Mickey Moore has got to go. I’d back Appleton next year as he seems like he actually cares!
@ChrisGray94: I wonder if the “loyal supporters” that Roland mentions are the ones who defend him and pretend that there is nothing wrong with the club? 🤔
@stfchewitt: There in lies the problem, the Chairman is so far removed from the fans he has no idea… he treats loyal supporters like dirt and that’s my biggest issue with him… some of the words used are not going to ingratiate himself with the people who are the lifeblood of the club
@jonnes_alex: This statement is fucking ridiculous. Doom mongers – WE HAVE 30 POINTS!!! Squad assembled by Gareth and Paul – they didn’t assemble the squad, Mickey Moore did. consistency required – We don’t have a consistency problem, we are just crap
@callumfinazzi: “Doom mongers” people who are worried about their club. Really doesn’t help himself with these little comments
@tompaparelli: A decision that’s best for the club is to remove Mickey Moore
@Chris_Tomo75: What a joke, Mike Harris has rattled you as he’s ‘outed’ you as being an out and out liar! The squad was assembled by Paul and Gareth was it!? Thought that was your DOF’s job!? No criticism of him anywhere to be seen!! Comical stuff it really is!! 🤯🤯🤯
@Rheidolviewer: I am bewildered by some of the comments. I think generally this statement is well written under the circs. No matter what he wrote he would have been lambasted. The main thing is his intention to sell asap & that they are in negotiations. Let’s hope that comes to fruition soon.
@derekcaslin1: Couldn’t resist a dig could he, clearly the fans who spend their hard earned money should clap politely and appreciate what we are being given , just 269 going to Northampton tells you everything you need to know about how the fans feel
HAVE YOUR SAY –
Do you was Michael Appleton to stay on at the club? Where don you see Shrewsbury finishing in League Two next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or tweet us @fan_banter
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