'He was the standout candidate' - Ex-Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth lands new job

Former Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth has found himself a new job.

The 51-year-old, who spent just over 13 years at Adams Park as a player, player-manager, and then full-time manager, is now the man at the helm at Shrewsbury Town.

He joins with his long-standing number two Richard Dobson – who has been appointed as the Shrews’ assistant head coach.

He replaces Paul Hirst who was fired earlier this month following a dismal run of form which saw the Salops win just twice in 19 games.

It was his second spell with the Shropshire club after a successful stint between 2016 and 2018, but since rejoining in January of this year, he only won six of his 37 games in charge.

Ainsworth joins Shrewsbury after being out of management for just over a year, following his sacking at Queens Park Rangers.

He had been in charge of Wanderers for 10-and-a-bit years prior to his move to Loftus Road in February of last year, but after winning five of his 28 games in charge, Ainsworth was fired.

Director of football, Micky Moore said: “I’m delighted to welcome Gareth and Richard to the football club.

“I think it is a massive coup for Shrewsbury Town to have them here.

“From the moment we started the recruitment process, Gareth and Richard were our number one targets.

“I’ve known Gareth for a long time.

"He was the standout candidate, and he is someone I have always admired for the outstanding work he did at Wycombe.

Wycombe will travel to Shrewsbury on December 14 which will be the first time Ainsworth will be up against his successor and former Wanderers teammate, Matt Bloomfield.