“From the moment we started the recruitment process, Gareth and Richard were our number one targets,” said Town’s director of football Micky Moore. “It is a massive coup for Shrewsbury Town to have them here.

“I’ve known Gareth for a long time. He was the stand-out 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.”

Long-serving Shrewsbury chairman Roland Wycherley is in the process of trying to step down as the owner of the Shropshire club.

Ainsworth, who has worked as a match summariser in the media over the past 12 months, is Wycherley’s 15th and probably final appointment after 28 and a half years at the helm.