Shropshire Star

Wrexham boss Sam Ricketts set for Shrewsbury Town talks

Shrewsbury Town will this week step up talks with Wrexham boss Sam Ricketts as they seek to bring him to Montgomery Waters Meadow.

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Welshman Ricketts, 37, was last week given permission by the Dragons to speak with Shrewsbury following an approach.

That agreement was on the premise that Ricketts oversaw Saturday night’s all-Welsh FA Cup contest between Wrexham and Newport County.

But, after reports of Ricketts’ future emerged, Wrexham released a statement saying that it would ‘not be appropriate’ for the boss to be at the Racecourse Ground for the tie that ended 1-1.

The statement read: “In view of the speculation surrounding the future of our first team manager Sam Ricketts, Wrexham AFC felt it is not appropriate for him to attend this evening’s game.

“We will seek to clarify Sam’s future as Wrexham AFC manager as soon as is possible.”

Wrexham drew 0-0 against League Two Newport and Graham Barrow, appointed assistant manager in July, took the post match press conference.

“I don’t really know enough about the circumstances of what had gone on between Sam and the board here,” said Barrow.

“Things in football could always be handled better, I have been on the other end of it. It needs to be addressed quickly and I’m sure they will do.

“It is now for the board and Sam to get their heads together and see what comes out of it.”

Town, who booked their place in round three of the FA Cup with a 1-0 win over Scunthorpe yesterday, will step up talks with the former Wales international ahead of Wednesday’s Checkatrade Trophy fixture against Walsall.

Shrewsbury are entering the fourth week since they sacked former boss John Askey. Impressive results under Danny Coyne and Eric Ramsay have meant Town were in no rush to appoint a replacement.

Ricketts’ fresh and modern ideas fit the blueprint of Town’s hunt for a new boss.

The former Telford defender’s extensive international career and handful of seasons as a Premier League player - as well as 13 years as a professional - make up an impressive CV.

Wrexham are four games without a win, including Saturday’s Cup stalemate, but the boss has guided the Dragons to fourth since his summer appointment.