Shrewsbury Town has mutually agreed to part ways with head coach Michael Appleton, as the club finds itself just two points adrift of the relegation zone in League Two.
The decision follows Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to promotion-seeking Cambridge United, marking their sixth defeat in seven league matches, which came after a staggering 5-1 loss to MK Dons on Saturday.
Shrewsbury’s sole win in the last 11 league fixtures was their 1-0 triumph over relegation rivals Harrogate Town on January 17.
Appleton, who previously managed Blackpool, Oxford, and Lincoln, leaves the club after less than a year at the helm, facing a challenging situation with 19 games left this season.
His assistant, Richard O’Donnell, has also departed.
In a club statement, it was noted, “Michael and Richard have demonstrated professionalism and integrity since arriving in Shropshire last March. We thank them for their hard work and wish them well in their future endeavors.”
The club has already initiated the search for a new head coach.
Appleton’s tenure, which started with the hope of reversing the club’s downward trajectory, ultimately saw him unable to prevent relegation after taking charge on a short-term basis last March following Gareth Ainsworth’s departure to Gillingham.
Even after signing a two-year deal in May with aspirations for a successful campaign, Appleton faced mounting challenges, as he was unable to secure more than one win in their first 11 League Two matches.
Further setbacks included a disheartening 6-1 defeat to Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers in the third round of the FA Cup after winning their first two ties against non-league teams.
With just four league victories in their last 16 games, Shrewsbury is now battling to maintain their status in the Football League.
Appleton’s 10 months at Croud Meadow coincided with significant turbulence for the club, which has suffered multiple managerial changes and instability within the organization.
After a challenging offseason, the departure of director of football Micky Moore early in the season left a notable gap in leadership, and ongoing ownership changes have complicated matters, including the collapse of two takeover deals within six months.
Owner and chairman Roland Wycherley, who celebrates 30 years in his role in 2026, is hopeful for a sale of the club, but the priority remains finding a fifth head coach in just two and a half years.
‘Ultimately, time ran out for Appleton’ – Analysis
BBC Radio Shropshire’s Sports Editor Nick Southall
Michael Appleton was aware of the challenges awaiting him when he took over as head coach of Shrewsbury Town.
Previous managers with solid credentials, like Paul Hurst and Gareth Ainsworth, struggled to halt the team’s losing streak that led to their relegation from League One, with similar misfortunes continuing in League Two.
All three managers worked under Micky Moore until his departure early in the season, which heavily influenced the club’s recruitment strategy over the summer.
While Appleton’s win ratio appeared unfavorable, it is crucial to note that this current transfer window is the first where he has full control over signings. Supporters of Appleton argue that he may need three transfer windows to construct a squad capable of competing effectively. Unfortunately, most managers are not given that luxury.
He secured six new players in January, many of whom seem promising, but facing a relegation battle with a squad not entirely of his making is far from ideal.
Ultimately, time ran out for Appleton as the threat of dropping out of the Football League compelled the club to make a change.
Only time will reveal whether this decision leads to improvement or if maintaining Appleton would have been the safer route.