Shrewsbury Town are moving swiftly in their search for a new head coach after parting ways with Paul Hurst following the team’s FA Cup defeat to Salford on Sunday.
The Shropshire-based club is reportedly seeking a short-term appointment until the end of the season, a decision influenced in part by Shrewsbury’s uncertain ownership situation. Longtime chairman Roland Wycherley has announced he is in advanced negotiations to sell the club, which he has owned for nearly three decades. Currently, two former Lincoln City bosses top the favourites—Mark Kennedy, recently sacked by Swindon Town, and Gareth Ainsworth, last in a job at Championship side QPR.
Shrewsbury’s Struggle for Stability
The search for Hurst’s replacement marks Shrewsbury’s fourth managerial change in the past 18 months. With only eight points from 14 matches and 10 losses already this season, Town’s fortunes have been bleak. Their form leaves them second-bottom, with a critical upcoming match against fellow relegation contenders Burton Albion. The game at the Pirelli Stadium, rescheduled to 12:30 PM as part of the EFL’s broadcasting deal with Sky Sports, is a crucial opportunity for Shrewsbury to turn their season around.
Town’s recent run has been difficult, with four winless matches in all competitions following a dramatic 5-3 win over Crawley Town. The club now hopes that appointing a new manager will spark the “new manager bounce,” providing a much-needed lift to the squad’s morale and performance.
Chairman’s Vision and the Future of Shrewsbury
Wycherley’s statement on Sunday confirmed that he is actively pursuing a sale of the club, with a potential buyer already identified. Wycherley has been committed to securing Shrewsbury’s future beyond his tenure, and the decision to bring in a temporary head coach reflects a strategic approach amid the expected transition.
Shrewsbury’s recruitment priorities are clear: they seek a head coach with League One expertise and experience in battling relegation. The team hopes this choice will ensure a level of stability through the remainder of the season, allowing for a smooth managerial transition if the club’s ownership changes.
Writer’s View
Mark Kennedy, the former manager of Swindon and Lincoln, would be a risky and likely ineffective choice for Shrewsbury Town. Inconsistent performances marred Kennedy’s tenure at both clubs and struggles with team cohesion, which is exactly what Shrewsbury cannot afford in their current relegation battle. Additionally, Kennedy has limited experience managing clubs with survival on the line, and his tendency to rely on rigid systems could exacerbate Shrewsbury’s struggles rather than inspire the “new manager bounce” they desperately need.
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