New Shrewsbury Town manager Gavin Cowan insists the players have a ‘clean slate’ following his appointment at the League Two strugglers.
Cowan has left National League outfit Brackley Town to take on the task of securing Salop’s Football League status.
Fresh Opportunity For All
After his appointment, Cowan was asked whether defender Sam Stubbs has the chance to work his way back into the first team picture at The Croud Meadow.
The 27-year-old had been frozen out under previous boss Michael Appleton since missing the defeats to Cheltenham Town and Grimsby Town over Christmas due to what Appleton described as a ‘disciplinary’ issue.
The boss opened the door for the former Bradford City man to return to action, saying:
“Absolutely. I had it as a player, managers come in, and I want the best players.”
“I can’t get emotional about things that have gone on previously. I have to put the best players on the pitch. It is about the football club.”
“The football club is bigger than anything and anyone else. What has gone on previously, maybe Michael had his absolute reasons for doing what he did. But it’s a fresh chance for everyone.”
The new man at the helm went on to explain how Stubbs can go about coming in from the cold, insisting it is down to the defender’s work over the coming days.
“If he wants to stake a claim for a first team spot, he needs to train hard, work hard, come in and be the best version of himself and hope that he fits into the team.”
“He trained really well today,” the new Salop boss added. “I had a really enjoyable conversation with him.”
“He needs to train really well on Friday and then we need to just assess the squad going into Saturday.”
What Will A Cowan Side Offer?
Gavin Cowan experienced success at his former side, Brackley Town, guiding them to the National League North title last season and 15th place in non-league football’s top tier before leaving.
When asked what Salop fans can expect from his side, Cowan wants his new side to perform in the big moments.
“We play for big moments, big moments in a game that don’t come around very often, especially teams in League Two.”
“It’s very rare that you get an opportunity and ultimately, you need to rely on the player’s ability for the big moments.”
“It’s up to me to get them to the crucial big moments in the final part of an attack or to be in a position to block and defend.”
“Their job is to dominate the big moments. So that’s what we can expect.”