We can confirm that Ricardo Dinanga has left AFC Telford United to sign a full-time contract with Shrewsbury Town FC.
Our negotiations with Ricardo for his return to the club for the 2024/25 season included a release clause in his contract. This was a condition which, had it not been included, would likely have meant that Ricardo would not have agreed to sign for us. That release clause has been triggered by Shrewsbury Town and a transfer fee paid to AFC Telford United, along with a future sell-on clause agreed, meaning that should Ricardo leave Shrewsbury for a fee in future, the Bucks will receive a percentage.
We understand this will be disappointing news, and stress that we tried to persuade Ricardo to stay with us for the rest of this season. We also proposed a contract for next season 2025/26; however, the prospect of a return to full-time football at a League One club was understandably very attractive to Ricardo.
We thank Ricardo for everything he has done for the club, for his fantastic season to date and we wish him well in his future football career.
Whilst Ricardo is a big loss to the club, our ambition to get promoted this season nevertheless remains the same.
Asked about Ricardo’s departure, manager Kevin Wilkin said:
“Obviously losing Ricardo is far from ideal, but it’s a reflection of how Ricky has applied himself this season and the performances he has produced that has prompted Shrewsbury to meet his release clause. He’s still a young man who has ambitions to improve his game and as a manager, you’re always aware of the possibility that by doing well for us, Ricky will have attracted the attention of other clubs.”
“We’d loved to have kept him at the club but we can’t offer him full-time football, and understandably he feels that being able to dedicate himself to football full-time is the best route to help him achieve his ambitions. That was the situation we found ourselves in with Ricky and we had to reach an agreement that works best for everyone, which I hope we have done.”
“Ricky leaves with our thanks and good wishes, and hopefully his move can be seen as a compliment to the type of environment we are trying to create at the club, that someone who is prepared to work hard and apply themselves can help us, but help themselves at the same time.”
Ricardo also had this message for the Bucks fans:
"First and foremost, I want to say a massive thank you to the Telford fans for the incredible support over the past two years. From the moment I arrived, you welcomed me into the Bucks family with open arms, and for that, I will always be grateful.
This decision hasn’t been an easy one. AFC Telford United will always hold a special place in my heart, but the opportunity to move into full-time football is one I simply couldn’t turn down.
To my teammates, the staff, and everyone involved with the club—thank you for the memories and for being a huge part of my journey. I wish nothing but the best for the Bucks moving forward."
Thank you, Ricardo, and go well.