Football League basement boys Shrewsbury Town recovered from the shock departure of manager Jimmy Quinn yesterday to earn a point from a 1-1 home draw against visiting Southend United.
Quinn, who last term guided the Gay Meadow side out of the Conference at the first time of asking, tendered his resignation following a disappointing run of results that had seen Shrewsbury fall to the bottom of League Two.
His number two Dave Cooke also left the club, with first-team coach and former Town boss Chic Bates placed in charge of the team on a temporary basis.
At the helm for the third time, Bates saw his latest caretaker stint begin promisingly with midfielder Kevin Street firing Shrewsbury ahead with a fine strike in the 12th minute – but the home side were pegged back by a second half header from Wayne Gray to ensure Southend took a point back to Roots Hall.
No sooner had Quinn departed than the rumour mill was turning with regard to his successor. Mark Wright, Colin Lee and Bobby Gould have all placed in the frame, along with former Blackpool and Burnley boss Jimmy Mullen who was among the crowd for this hard-fought encounter at a rain-lashed Gay Meadow.
Despite not recording a league victory since August, Shrewsbury made a positive start and following a surging run from winger Sam Aiston, Street fired them ahead after 12 minutes with a superb rising shot from 15 yards that gave Southend 'keeper Darryl Flahavan no chance.
But as the half unfolded the visitors came back into contention with Fredy Eastwood, a hat-trick hero last week, spurning two glorious chances to bring Southend level.
After the break full-back Jake Sedgemore and striker Duane Darby both threatened the visitors goal, but it was no surprise when Southend drew level – Gray meeting a fine cross from Carl Pettefer to nod past Scott Howie, earning a deserved point for Steve Tilson's men.