Michael Appleton confident 'good times' will return at Shrewsbury Town

Shrewsbury finally had their relegation from League One confirmed at the start of the Easter weekend, as they saw their decade-long stay in the division come to an end following Burton Albion's goalless draw at Exeter City on Good Friday.

After losing 1-0 at home to Wigan Athletic, Shrewsbury were condemned to a heavy 4-1 defeat at Northampton Town three days later on Easter Monday.

Appleton is currently in talks with the Shrewsbury hierarchy over the possibility of extending his stay in Shropshire beyond the end of the season. 

The 49-year-old revealed last week that he was "encouraged" by discussions and was "hopeful" of reaching an agreement in the near future.

"100 per cent. I have done it before and I will do it again," he responded when asked he can restore the good times to Croud Meadow.

"The reality is I know League One and Two very well and I know what it takes to get out of them. Given the opportunity I’m sure it can happen."

Shrewsbury currently have seven players out-of-contract in the summer while the club hold an option year on former Wolves midfielder Taylor Perry. 

Goalkeeper Jamal Blackman, defensive pair Aaron Pierre and Morgan Feeney, and wing-back Jordan Shipley are yet to put pen to paper on a new contract. 

Deals for back-up keeper Joe Day, midfielder Dominic Gape and veteran David Wheeler are also due to expire at the end of the season.

A summer rebuild is on the horizon at Croud Meadow regardless of whether Appleton is the man to lead it. 

And the former Portsmouth and Blackpool boss recognises the radical changes which need to be made if he is handed the reins on a full-time basis.

"It’s a difficult question to answer. One, if I’m here, there won’t be a lot of these players here next season," he admitted.

"That will probably come to bite me on the backside but so be it. But, it’s a fact. It also depends on finances, who is in the league, the teams coming down from League One, going up from the National League.

"There are so many factors so it is more of a question for the Friday before the first game of the season."