Simpson: 'I'm in charge'

Boss Paul Simpson today vowed to fight for his Shrewsbury Town future, insisting: "I'm in charge until told otherwise."

Simpson accepts Town's League Two play-off hopes have gone, and that has led to speculation that his job is now on the line.

Rumours have circulated on the internet this week, suggesting the 43-year-old had already left the Prostar Stadium.

But he was at his desk this morning, planning for Saturday's final home game of the season with Morecambe.

"It all started on Monday," said Simpson. "Something came out saying there had been a Board meeting, but I've not been to any Board meeting this week.

"I am continuing to work as manager of this football club until someone says differently.

"I spoke to the players yesterday morning and assured them that when a decision has been made, I'll try to be the first to tell them."

Simpson admits the uncertainty is affecting the Town squad and also impacting on his ability to start formulating his plans for the summer.

"Everybody's in limbo a little bit so we can't make any decisions, and that's put a bit of a dampener on our planning," he said.

"I can't make any decisions on contracts, and it's something we need to get done as soon as possible."

Structured

Meanwhile, there has been one addition to Shrewsbury's coaching staff — with former defender Pete Wilding rejoining the club as technical development coach with the re-structured Centre of Excellence.

Wilding will take up his post from July 1, and will work alongside head of youth Dave Hughes and Wayne Evans.

Town's youngsters are through to the final of the Midland Youth Cup after a 3-1 win at Chesterfield last night in the last ever floodlit game at the Spireites' Saltergate ground.

Goals from Kane Cork, Tom Bradshaw and Ben Evans sealed the win for Town, who now play Grimsby in the final at Blundell Park on Bank Holiday Monday (7pm).

By Chris Hudson