Blackburn-born Gareth Ainsworth has been named the new head coach at League One club Shrewsbury.

The 51-year-old who spent time at Ewood Park as a youngster during his playing days, has been out of the game since he was sacked by Queens Park Rangers just over a year ago.

Ainsworth, who previously spent 11 years at Wycombe, has now been tasked with helping Salop bounce back from a poor start to the season. He will be joined in the dugout by long-serving assistant Richard Dobson.

The Shropshire club currently sit at the foot of the table with two wins from their opening 15 matches.

"We need to start making this team more resilient," he told the club channels. "Both the chairman (Roland Wycherley) and Micky (Moore) have been influential in getting me here.

"I have heard a few eyebrows are raised that I have come here, that is very flattering for me, but on the humble side of things, they have worked really hard to make sure the place is set up for success for me and my assistant in the future.

"They are great people, they have had it tough over the last few weeks and months, and you can see that, you can feel it.

"From this moment, this is going to change. I want positive vibes, I want to be a spark and almost a catalyst for some winning mentality and some different attitude around the place."

Shrewsbury are back in action on Saturday, November 23 when they welcome leaders Birmingham to Croud Meadow.

Director of football Moore added: “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. 

“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.”