SHREWSBURY Town have appointed Gavin Cowan as their new head coach.
The League Two side have moved quickly to appoint their former defender as boss, following the dismissal of Michael Appleton as head coach on Wednesday.
Cowan, who started his playing career at Braintree Town, has been named as Salop head coach, following an agreement of a compensation package with National League side Brackley Town.
He will be joined in his management team by Dave Edwards as joint assistant head coach along with Jamie Haynes.
🚨 Shrewsbury Town are delighted to appoint Gavin Cowan as head coach, following agreement of a compensation package with Brackley.
Club favourite Dave Edwards joins as joint assistant head coach, alongside Gavin’s long-time number two & former Salop youth player Jamie Haynes.— Shrewsbury Town FC (@shrewsburytown) January 29, 2026
Cowan told the Shrewsbury Town website: “It’s an honour and a privilege to be Shrewsbury Town’s head coach.
“The last few days have been a whirlwind, but I’m incredibly excited about the challenge ahead and the opportunity to represent this special football club once again.
“Whenever I've been successful in the past, it's been by uniting the fans, the hierarchy and the players.
“That is what I'm determined to do here. We all need to be together. But I promise, we will build a football club to really make you proud.
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“Working alongside Dave Edwards and Jamie Haynes gives me huge confidence – Jamie has been with me for 17 years and is outstanding in everything he does, while Dave’s knowledge, passion and love for the club speak for themselves.
“The three of us have an immense desire to see this football club do well, both on the pitch and in the community.
“We are determined to deliver success.”
Ready to get started đź’Ş pic.twitter.com/3weiayKeMe
— Shrewsbury Town FC (@shrewsburytown) January 29, 2026
Cowan has impressed during his managerial career to date and has Brackley are currently 15th in the National League, despite being one of only a handful of part-time teams at that level.
Cowan guided Brackley to the National League North title last season, securing the club’s first-ever promotion to the National League.
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Prior to that he had led The Saints to the National League North play-offs in his first season after joining them from AFC Telford United.
Cowan’s first away game in charge of Shrewsbury is set to be their match at Colchester United, on February 7.
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