'Absolute latest' Michael Appleton sets deadline to discover Shrewsbury Town future

Appleton, 49, marks a month in charge at Crowd Meadow on Saturday, when he leads relegated Shrewsbury into the penultimate game of the League One season at Barnsley.

He replaced Gareth Ainsworth on a deal until the end of the season following the latter's sudden exit for League Two Gillingham last month. Appleton has been in talks with club chiefs and the Salford-born head coach expects to have his future clarified before the final game at home to Crawley on Saturday week.

Appleton has emphasised his desire to stay with Shrewsbury and lead them into next season's League Two campaign.

"I'm under the impression that this time next week it (my future) will either be one way or the other," Appleton said at his Barnsley press conference on Friday.

"I do expect clarity, certainly at the absolute latest by this time next week because we will only have one game to go.

"I think everyone will be looking for a little bit of clarity, including myself and hopefully that will be the case."

Appleton has taken two points from his seven games in charge of Town, whose relegation fate was confirmed last week. He has led the side to draw at Wycombe and Lincoln but Town are without a win since a 2-1 success at Rotherham 16 games ago.

Experienced head coach Appleton is gearing up to go "100 miles-per-hour" to lead a successful squad overhaul at Town with his extensive contacts in the game - but stressed he could not green light plans until his future is confirmed.

Town's hierarchy is also up in the air, with chairman Roland Wycherley confirming this week the club are in takeover talks with interested parties.

"Well I am - but with the greatest respect I've got to be a little bit careful," added the head coach on planning.

"If I know that I'm working here next year then I'll be doing everything in my power to bring the best loan players, players available.

"But right now, until I get absolute clarity ... don't get me wrong I'm pretty confident I will get the result I want in terms of (being here) next season, but I'm a human being as well.

"I want to be working, I'm passionate about working next year, hopefully with Shrewsbury and hopefully someone tells me that's the case. If that is the case it'll be pedal to the floor, 100 miles-per-hour to be prepared for next year."