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    Gareth Ainsworth makes shock return to management over a year after being sacked by QPR

    GARETH AINSWORTH has sealed a stunning return to management with Shrewsbury.The 51-year-old’s last job was with Queens Park Rangers.Gareth Ainsworth has sealed a shock return to management with ShrewsburyCredit: GettyHe was sacked from the position more than a year ago having been in the job since February 2023.But he – along with long-term assistant Richard Dobson – is now back in management with League One Shrewsbury.A club statement said: “Shrewsbury Town are thrilled to announce the appointment of Gareth Ainsworth as our new head coach.”The 51-year-old arrives in Shropshire having previously enjoyed spells in charge of Wycombe and QPR.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”A former midfielder, Ainsworth is also a cult hero for the performances he put in as a player at Preston North End, Wimbledon, QPR, Port Vale and Lincoln.”He joins Town with his long-standing number two Richard Dobson – who has been appointed Town’s assistant head coach.”Shrewsbury sit bottom of the division with just two wins and two draws from 15 league games this season.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.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”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.Frank Lampard one of ‘eighty’ applicants for vacant EFL job as owner confirms Chelsea legend has applied “He brings to this football club an enthusiasm and a wealth of knowledge having managed more than 150 games in League One. He is exactly what we need.“I’m sure, in time, we will be able to build a football club that will really make the town and our supporters proud.”Shrewsbury chairman Roland Wycherley MBE added: “On behalf of the board of directors, all supporters and everyone connected to Shrewsbury Town – I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Gareth and Richard at this difficult time.“I wish them every success in their endeavours as they work to restore the feel-good factor to our club.”Shrewsbury sacked former manager Paul Hurst 10 days ago following the Shrews’ elimination from the FA Cup at the hands of Salford.The club fell to a 3-0 defeat to Walsall in their last match on Tuesday in the Football League Trophy, leaving them bottom of Group I in the competition.They were due to play Reading away this weekend, but the match has been postponed due to international call-ups – which has left some clubs furious.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt means Ainsworth’s first game in charge will be at Croud Meadow when his team host Birmingham.Before QPR, Ainsworth – who fronts his own rock band – had managed Wycombe for 11 years, having taken over as a caretaker player-manager in 2012 before retiring from playing in 2013 to focus on coaching. More

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    EFL manager facing FA probe after marching over to referee and squaring up to opposition player in moment of madness

    BOLTON manager Ian Evatt was sent off after a dramatic draw with Shrewsbury as he angrily confronted the referee AND an opposing player.The Trotters dragged themselves back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with struggling Shrewsbury on Saturday in an intense League One clash at the Reebok.Bolton boss Ian Evatt angrily confronted the referee and an opposing playerCredit: RexEvatt was furious after ref Declan Bourne blew his whistle while the final minute of stoppage time was still tickingEvatt then angrily confronted Shrewsbury ace Josh FeeneyFeeney appeared to urge the referee to show Bolton boss Evatt a red cardBolton manager Evatt was then sent off by the refereeThe Shrews scored twice within the space of eight minutes with Josh Feeney opening the scoring in the 20th-minute mark before Jordan Shipley doubled their lead.But Bolton fought back in the second half with Kyle Dempsey’s effort in the 47th minute.And the hosts levelled things up on 61 minutes with Szabolcs Schon’s finish.The Whites pushed hard for a late winner in front of a disappointed home crowd, who were especially frustrated during a dire first-half performance.Read More on FootballThe fourth official indicated eight minutes of added time at the end of the match.However, referee Declan Bourne blew his whistle the final sixty seconds still ticking down – with Evatt immediately marching over to the man in black to remonstrate.An angry exchange soon followed as Shrewsbury ace Feeney appeared to urge the ref to show the Bolton boss a red card.The 42-year-old tactician then squared up to the defender directly in front of the official.Most read in EFLArsenal teenager Jacker Porter made his Gunners debut against Bolton and became a record breakerAnd that was when Bourne showed Evatt a red card amid some angry scenes.The EFL manager is now facing an FA probe following the incident at full-time.Bolton are 13th in the League One table while Shrewsbury are third from bottom.Bolton manager Evatt is now facing an FA probe after the match with ShrewsburyCredit: Rex More

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    EFL manager cancelled training session after two stars came to blows and couldn’t be in same room together

    AN EFL manager once had to cancel training after two players had a huge bust-up and could not be left alone together.The shocking incident occurred at Shrewsbury, with then boss Paul Hurst taking no chances as he sent two of his star players to the dressing room.Paul Hurst axed training after his players had a huge bust-upCredit: GettyWycombe’s Jack Grimmer told SunSport about some incredible EFL talesCredit: AlamyWycombe star Jack Grimmer shared some hilarious tales with SunSport as part of the “What the EFL?” series.From an owner’s crazy antics to wild nights out, the Chairboys captain lifted the lid on his maddest footballing experiences.BEST EFL PLAYER?[Bakary] Sako when he was at Wolves.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBEST EFL FANS?Leeds at Elland Road. DODGIEST FACILITIES? Yeovil away. In the changing rooms, the windows were open right next to our fans and we lost the game. We were getting all this abuse in the windows. Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEFL FANBASE WHO LIVE RENT FREE IN YOUR HEAD?Sunderland. ‘Fan told me he was ‘****ing my mum’ | Gillngham’s Jack Nolan plays What the EFL?!FUNNIEST FAN ABUSE YOU’VE EVER HEARD?Away at Lincoln. They just kept shouting every time the goalie kicked the ball – it was that old-fashioned, you fat b******. MOMENT THAT HAUNTS YOU?When I was at Coventry and we lost at home to Yeovil 6-2. ICONIC TRAINING GROUND TALE?Our old captain, Joe Jacobson… Marcus Bean put crickets in his car.He couldn’t find the crickets for like weeks. So he would get in his car and then still find the noise of crickets going on. WILDEST OWNER ANTICS?At Wycombe again, our owner Rob Cooig, his nephew Pete Couhig, who was our CFO, Pete was obviously ecstatic that we had one promotion during COVID at Wembley against Oxford.The celebrations were a bit heavy, shall we say. I had a back operation not long before. He proceeded to fall backwards off the team bus onto the street. ICONIC TRAINING GROUND TALE?At Shrewsbury ten years ago, our captain Adam El-Abd and Irish hardcore centre-mid Gary Deegan.Two people you just would not mess with on a football pitch or in life in general, they just kept going at each other all morning and eventually came to blows. The manager at the time, Paul Hurst, basically called an end to training because he did not want those two players going into the changing room on their own. Adam El-Abd had a furious row with a team-mateCredit: Action Images – ReutersThe defender and Gary Deegan could not be left alone in the dressing roomCredit: SportsfileWILDEST NIGHT OUT?After Coventry got promoted, the League Two play-off final against Exeter.READ MORE SUN STORIESBank holiday Monday, all the Sky Blue Army went and there was about 35,000, 40,000 people there. They all went back to Coventry to support us and party. Probably my best night out ever. I remember feeling like almost invincible.Who are these famous footballers? More