Former Lincoln City manager Mark Kennedy has emerged as a leading candidate for the vacant managerial position at Shrewsbury Town, following the sacking of Paul Hurst last week.
Shrewsbury, languishing at the bottom of the League One table, dismissed Hurst after a poor run that saw just two victories in 19 games across all competitions.
Potential Successors Emerge
Shrewsbury Town are reportedly assessing several candidates to navigate the team out of relegation trouble, with Kennedy among those on their shortlist. Alongside him, former Burton Albion boss Dino Maamria and Andy Crosby, the ex-manager of Port Vale, are also being considered.
However, former Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth, who recently parted from Queens Park Rangers, is seen as a frontrunner. Sources indicate that while Shrewsbury Town has not yet confirmed any final decision, Ainsworth’s experience makes him a strong contender for the role.
Kennedy’s recent stint with Swindon Town was short-lived, lasting only 13 league games with a record of two wins before Ian Holloway replaced him in October. Despite the brevity of his time there, Kennedy remains in the mix for positions within League One, with his name also having been floated in connection with the recent Burton Albion vacancy. His potential appointment at Shrewsbury would mark a swift return to the management circuit despite his limited success at Swindon.
Shrewsbury’s Fight for Survival
Shrewsbury Town’s dire position in League One means that any incoming manager will face the immediate challenge of lifting the team off the bottom of the table. With four consecutive league defeats and just two wins to their name, they sit six points adrift of safety. The club appears to be prioritising experience and leadership in its search for a new manager, aiming to bring stability and guidance to a side in desperate need of a turnaround.
Meanwhile, speculation surrounding Gareth Ainsworth’s candidacy continues to grow. Known for his successful tenure at Wycombe Wanderers, where he led the team to promotion and several resilient campaigns in the league, Ainsworth’s experience could make him a valuable asset in Shrewsbury’s battle to avoid the drop.
Writer’s View
Kennedy’s swift appearance on Shrewsbury Town’s shortlist raises questions about the club’s priorities in a manager. While his experience in League One is limited, he could bring a fresh perspective to the squad. That said, Ainsworth’s history of success with Wycombe and the recent QPR experience make him a robust option who could offer the expertise and resilience Shrewsbury needs to mount a survival campaign in the challenging months ahead.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
