'Desperately poor': 20 pictures to sum up Shrewsbury Town dismal relegation season

It was a desperately poor season for Shrewsbury Town in League One - have a look at some of the best pictures that tell the story of Salop's campaign.

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By Ollie Westbury

Sports reporter

Published 2nd Jun 2025, 06:00 BST

Updated 2nd Jun 2025, 08:05 BST

A dejected Tommi O’Reilly reacts at the final whistle after Shrewsbury were defeated by a physical Stevenage side on the opening day of the season. (AMA)

placeholder image — A dejected Tommi O’Reilly reacts at the final whistle after Shrewsbury were defeated by a physical Stevenage side on the opening day of the season. (AMA)

After a tough start, which saw Town lose their first three consecutive League One matches they beat Leyton Orient 3-0.

Tom Bloxham of Shrewsbury Town celebrates with his team-mates after scoring a screamer in the 3-0 win against Leyton Orient. (AMA)

placeholder image — Tom Bloxham of Shrewsbury Town celebrates with his team-mates after scoring a screamer in the 3-0 win against Leyton Orient. (AMA)

That was short lived as they travelled to Wrexham a week later and were thumped by the same scoreline.

Dejected Shrewsbury Town players after they are easily beaten by their cross-border rivals. (AMA)

placeholder image — Dejected Shrewsbury Town players after they are easily beaten by their cross-border rivals. (AMA)

They did get their first win on the road at Crawley though. John Marquis, George Lloyd and Toto Nsiala on the scoresheet.

George Lloyd of Shrewsbury Town celebrates as Shrewsbury have a rare positive day on the road beating Crawley 5-3. (AMA)

placeholder image — George Lloyd of Shrewsbury Town celebrates as Shrewsbury have a rare positive day on the road beating Crawley 5-3. (AMA)

But despite Paul Hurst's best efforts, he could not turn around Town's consistent run of poor form.

Shrewsbury exited the FA Cup at Salford following a 2-1 defeat. (AMA)

placeholder image — Shrewsbury exited the FA Cup at Salford following a 2-1 defeat. (AMA)

Paul Hurst the head coach of Shrewsbury Town pictured at Salford - his final game. (AMA)

placeholder image — Paul Hurst the head coach of Shrewsbury Town pictured at Salford - his final game. (AMA)

That led to the appointment of Gareth Ainsworth as Shrewsbury's new head coach.

Gareth Ainsworth is unveiled as the new Shrewsbury Town head coach. (AMA)

placeholder image — Gareth Ainsworth is unveiled as the new Shrewsbury Town head coach. (AMA)

He enjoyed a memorable start by beating the eventual champions, Birmingham City, 3-2.

Gareth Ainsworth (AMA)

placeholder image — Gareth Ainsworth (AMA)

Tom Bloxham of Shrewsbury Town celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 3-1 in the game (AMA).

placeholder image — Tom Bloxham of Shrewsbury Town celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 3-1 in the game (AMA).

That was followed by poor defeats against Cambridge and Wycombe.

But after a positive start Shrewsbury were hammered 4-1 by relegation rivals Cambridge a week later. (AMA)

placeholder image — But after a positive start Shrewsbury were hammered 4-1 by relegation rivals Cambridge a week later. (AMA)

They conceded four for the second consecutive week when Wycombe visited the Croud Meadow as Town survival hopes took a hit. (AMA)

placeholder image — They conceded four for the second consecutive week when Wycombe visited the Croud Meadow as Town survival hopes took a hit. (AMA)

Shrewsbury did have a decent festive period.

They briefly picked up, and they won 1-0 at home on Boxing Day, thanks to Morgan Feeney's goal. (AMA)

placeholder image — They briefly picked up, and they won 1-0 at home on Boxing Day, thanks to Morgan Feeney's goal. (AMA)

Shrewsbury began 2025 with a 1-1 draw at Blackpool to extend their unbeaten run to four games in League One.

placeholder image — Shrewsbury began 2025 with a 1-1 draw at Blackpool to extend their unbeaten run to four games in League One.

Shrewsbury showed promise under Ainsworth as they beat local rivals Wrexham.

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And they won back-to-back games for the first time in two years.

Shrews went down to 10 men, but produced a remarkable comeback to beat Mansfield. (AMA)

placeholder image — Shrews went down to 10 men, but produced a remarkable comeback to beat Mansfield. (AMA)

Taylor Perry scored one and made one as Town won back-to-back games for the first time in two years at Rotherham. (AMA)

placeholder image — Taylor Perry scored one and made one as Town won back-to-back games for the first time in two years at Rotherham. (AMA)

But their form then took another turn.

All hopes of survival looked lost after defeat at Peterborough. Marquis was sent off after seven seconds. (AMA)

placeholder image — All hopes of survival looked lost after defeat at Peterborough. Marquis was sent off after seven seconds. (AMA)

Gareth Ainsworth walked out on the club to join League Two side Gillingham.

Gareth Ainsworth walked out on Shrewsbury and Michael Appleton was appointed until the end of the season. (AMA)

placeholder image — Gareth Ainsworth walked out on Shrewsbury and Michael Appleton was appointed until the end of the season. (AMA)

Relegation was soon confirmed after Town were unable to win enough games to stage a comeback.

Michael Appleton penned a new deal in Shropshire to give Salop fans something to look forward to next campaign.

Gareth Ainsworth League One John Marquis Wrexham Crawley

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