Former U's boss takes charge of League One's bottom side
FORMER Oxford United boss Michael Appleton has been appointed head coach of Sky Bet League One side Shrewsbury Town until the end of the season.
Appleton replaces Gareth Ainsworth, who left to join League Two outfit Gillingham, and takes over a Shrews side sitting bottom of League One, 14 points shy of safety and without a win in eight matches.
Shrews director of football Micky Moore told the club website: 'I'm absolutely delighted, along with the chairman and board of directors, to welcome both Michael and Richard [O'Donnell] to the club.
'It's been a difficult seven days. But once Gareth Ainsworth made the decision to leave, it was important we acted quickly to find the right man to guide us through the remainder of the season.
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'Michael was my number one target. And I'm thrilled that over the last 24 hours, we've been able to get a deal over the line, with Michael and Richard joining us until the end of the season.
'I know the past few days have been difficult for supporters. Nobody likes confusion and uncertainty.
'But hopefully now, by making this quick appointment, we can all get behind Michael and Richard for the remaining nine games of the season.'
Appleton left the U's in June 2017 to join Leicester City as assistant boss, having guided United to promotion from League Two in the 2015/16 season, plus two EFL Trophy finals.
After leaving the Foxes, he had subsequent spells in charge of Lincoln City, Blackpool and Charlton Athletic.
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