Portsmouth League One rivals sack manager

And assistant Dean Whitehead has also been shown the door as the League One strugglers attempt to avoid relegation.

Ricketts’ side last night drew 2-2 against MK Dons, leaving them with one win from their opening 13 matches and languishing in 23rd spot.

That persuaded Shrewsbury to initiate a managerial change, with only Wigan below them in the League One table.

The Shrews’ league season kicked off with a goalless draw at Fratton Park in September, an outcome they would have been more satisfied with than Pompey.

However, Tuesday night represented their eighth consecutive League One fixture without victory, although they remain involved in the FA Cup and Papa John’s Trophy.

A club statement said: ‘Shrewsbury Town Football Club can confirm this morning that the club has parted company with manager Sam Ricketts and assistant manager Dean Whitehead.

‘The club would like to place on record our thanks and acknowledge their hard work and dedication to STFC and the community and wish them all the best in the future.

‘The search for a new manager will begin straight away and the club will aim to find the right candidate as soon as possible.

‘The club will be making no further comment at this time.’

Ricketts had been Shrewsbury boss since December 2018.