Last season, both Shrewbury Town and John Askey tasted relative success in their divisions, the former reached the play-off final, while Askey guided Macclesfield Town to an EFL return.
Paul Hurst’s departure from Shrewsbury to Ipswich Town led Macclesfield Town boss Askey getting the gig at the Shropshire based outfit. Askey’s predecessor and successor at their relative clubs have left their clubs and now Askey has received his marching orders after 17 games.
Sackings in the EFL have sped up in recent days, with Phil Brown of Swindon Town and Neal Ardley of AFC Wimbledon have both lost their jobs in the wake of the FA Cup first-round.
Askey leaves Shrewsbury in 18th place, three points above the drop zone, currently occupied by Oxford United, Plymouth Argyle, AFC Wimbledon and Bradford City.
Shrewsbury’s 1-1 draw with Salford was not enough to keep Askey his job, that was preceded by a vital win over relegation rivals AFC Wimbledon last weekend.
“It’s always difficult when you have to part ways with a manager,” said Town chief executive Brian Caldwell. “This is a guy with a family, who has worked really hard – reported by the BBC
Goalkeeper coach and registered player from 2013 until 2018 Danny Coyne will take temporary charge of the club while they search for a successor.
As it would happen, there are rumours that successor could be Paul Hurst, while Macclesfield could turn to Askey to get them out of their current predicament – moves which could make you question whether you went to sleep and woke up back in May.
Shrewsbury face Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday in the Checkatrade Trophy, then Rochdale make the trip down in what will be Coyne’s first league game at the helm.
