Sunderland's League One rivals sack manager after eight-game winless run

The Shrews have gone eight League One games without a win, with Ricketts and assistant Dean Whitehead – a former Black Cat – now paying the price for the poor run of form.

A club statement read: “Shrewsbury Town Football Club can confirm this morning that the Club has parted company with Manager Sam Ricketts and Assistant Manager Dean Whitehead.

“The Club would like to place on record our thanks and acknowledge their hard work and dedication to STFC and the community and wish them all the best in the future.

“The search for a new Manager will begin straight away and the Club will aim to find the right candidate as soon as possible.

“The Club will be making no further comment at this time.”

Sunderland face Shrewsbury on December 19.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor:

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of SAFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor