Wrexham Manager Sam Ricketts joins Shrewsbury Town

Wrexham’s manager Sam Ricketts has finally joined Shrewsbury Town.

In a statement the club said: “Wrexham AFC can confirm that First Team Manager Sam Ricketts has left the club to join Shrewsbury Town.

“Following an approach from Shrewsbury Town we did everything possible to retain his services, however, once this interest became known, Sam expressed his desire to speak to them regarding their vacancy.

The club say Shrewsbury Town ‘triggered elements in Sam’s contract’ enabling them to approach him, and therefore the club were obliged to allow him to speak to them.

They added: “Following his discussions with Shrewsbury Town, Sam informed us of his intention to take up their vacant manager’s position on Saturday morning and in the best interests of Wrexham AFC, we asked him not to attend our FA Cup second round fixture versus Newport County on Saturday night.

“Wrexham AFC are in a strong position after 22 league games of the 2018-19 season. We would like to thank Sam for his efforts and for the work he did while at the football club.

“We are fully focused on further improving upon this situation going forward. Wrexham AFC have already begun the process to appoint Sam’s successor with Graham Barrow taking charge of the first team on an interim basis.”

Wrexham AFC say they will be making no further comment at this stage.

Shrewsbury Town released the below picture, adding: “Shrewsbury Town are delighted to announce Sam Ricketts as the new First Team Manager of the Club. After discussions with Wrexham AFC, compensation was agreed to allow the Town to speak to Sam. Those discussions have been successful and the club is pleased that Sam has agreed to join Shrewsbury Town FC.”

Tonight Wrexham are in the FA Cup draw – due at 7:30pm on the BBC.