Telford Town Football Club are proud to confirm the permanent appointment of Shaun Ralph and Graham Jones as the club’s joint first-team managers ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

The duo stepped into the role on an interim basis following the departure of Steve Hinks, taking charge during a period of transition for the football club both on and off the pitch.

In what is widely recognised as one of the most challenging moments in a season to take over, Ralph and Jones were tasked with rebuilding and re-energising the squad while maintaining competitiveness in a demanding league environment.

They responded by quickly establishing structure, unity, and a clear identity, guiding the team to a strong finish and narrowly missing out on a playoff position.

Beyond results, their impact across the club has been significant. From recruitment and organisation to culture and togetherness, the foundations have been laid for long-term progression.

The club are also pleased to confirm that goalkeeping coach Andy Morris has agreed to remain part of the management team for the 2026/27 season, further strengthening continuity and stability behind the scenes.

Following a full review, the Board of Directors were unanimous in their decision to appoint the pair on a permanent basis, recognising both the progress made and their alignment with the club’s vision moving forward.

Chairman Hayden Dando said:

“Ralphy and Gra took over during a challenging period for the football club, with a number of changes within the squad and a need to quickly stabilise performances.

What they have achieved since stepping in has been extremely impressive. To rebuild and organise a squad at that stage of the season, when player availability is limited and many teams are already settled, is no easy task, but they’ve done so while making us competitive again.

As a board, we place a huge importance on stability and long-term direction. That’s been a key part of the club’s progress in recent years, and we believe Shaun and Graham have demonstrated the qualities, work ethic, and leadership required to continue that.

This decision has been made following careful consideration, and we are all aligned in giving them the opportunity to build on the foundations they’ve put in place.

I’m delighted they’ve agreed to take on the role permanently, and once we’ve completed our final game away at New Mills this weekend, our full focus turns to preparing for the 2026/27 season.”

Shaun Ralph said:

“Honestly, it was an easy decision. This club is driven by an owner with real ambition, supported by dedicated people behind the scenes, and lifted by incredible fans. From the moment I stepped in as temporary manager, it felt like home. Now it’s time for us to push on and move forward together as one.”

Graham Jones added:

“Upon myself and Ralphy being asked to stay on, it was an easy decision.

Since the day we were placed in interim charge, we ensured we enhanced the ‘one in, all in’ approach — from players, board members, volunteers, fans and everyone else. It became an enjoyable place to be a part of.

We set out last season what our goals were in a three-phased approach. Step 1: become hard to beat and remain competitive in all games. Step 2: win games and push towards regaining the playoffs. Step 3: if able to turn around the fortunes quickly enough, ensure we carried momentum into the playoffs (which is often a lottery). Due to the point in the season we took over the reins, this was a challenge in itself, as it’s never the best time to recruit good players for varying reasons. But the players did us and the club proud, and we can only thank them for that.

Special mentions should go to the board and chairman also for their support and belief in what, from the outside, may have looked an unusual appointment. To now be offered the manager’s position moving into the new season can only mean we have done key things right, and we now all, as a club, have a strong building block to work from.

The fans and volunteers have been epic also. Talking to us at games, understanding what we are trying to achieve, and most importantly cheering on the team on matchdays and doing whatever they can. This made a huge difference.

Clubs are only ever as strong as the sum of their parts. We are on a journey together as one moving into the 26/27 season — one where we fully intend to work hard to achieve the best results for the club and the fans.

It’s also a great thing to be doing this alongside my good friend Shaun Ralph. We both bring very different things and styles to the joint manager role, so we complement each other well.

Thank you everyone for your support and belief in us both. We are humbled and honoured to be serving as your managers moving into next season.

Let’s make some noise together at our last game of the season and celebrate the journey and the club’s highest finish ever.”

With one final fixture remaining away at New Mills, attention will soon turn towards preparations for the 2026/27 season, with renewed stability, momentum and ambition driving the football club forward.

Up the Town