League One strugglers sack their manager after wretched run

Cobblers' League One rivals Shrewsbury Town have sacked manager Sam Ricketts following a dreadful run of results.

Salop have just nine points and one win from their 13 league games this season and threw away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with MK Dons on Tuesday, leaving them 23rd in League One and six points behind the Cobblers.

They also surrendered a lead at Ipswich Town at the weekend when conceding twice in the final 15 minutes, including in the 97th minute, to lose 2-1.

Shrewsbury say they hope to appoint a replacement as soon as possible but it is being reported that goalkeeping coach Brian Jensen will take charge of this weekend's FA Cup tie against Town's first-round conquerors Oxford City.

Ricketts, 39, spent almost exactly two years at the Meadow but leaves after just 28 wins in 96 games in all competitions.

The former Wolves and Bolton defender was left extremely angry with referee Darren Drysdale and his officials after he felt his side had two legitimate first-half goals ruled out for offside against MK Dons. The former Wrexham boss’ post-match interview was cut short after he did not entertain other lines of questioning.

"I'd like the referee to come out. He should come and speak to you," he said. "Two goals in the first half ruled out that were well onside, and I mean well onside, that puts you 4-0 up."

As well as winning just once in 13 to begin the League One season, Shrewsbury’s desperate league form stretching back to Boxing Day 2019 reads three wins from 27 games