Shrewsbury Town manager Gavin Cowan is actively seeking to sign an experienced forward as a free agent after the summer transfer window closed. Cowan told reporters that his search for a proven number nine or ten continues despite the deadline passing on Tuesday.
Shrewsbury's season has begun with significant challenges, sitting 22nd in League Two with just three points from four games. Their recent form reads LWLL, having scored only two goals while conceding eight, leaving them with a -6 goal difference. They are already six points behind early leaders Bristol Rovers.
Cowan has been clear about his target for the last six to eight weeks. He wanted an experienced forward capable of leading the line or playing in behind. "Yeah, to a point. I feel like, as I’ve been saying for sort of the last five, six weeks, I wanted a nine and a 10 that are going to be experienced - and we haven’t got them in the building, yet," Cowan said.
The manager believes the full squad lacks that specific profile. He described the summer window as exhausting and admitted the club missed out on several targets. While eleven new players arrived, including Kian McMahon-Brown on loan from Burnley just before deadline day, Cowan feels the group has been "bulked out with bodies who are a little bit unknown." He would love the opportunity to bring in a free agent to address the gap.
One potential route to freeing up resources involves defender Tom Anderson. The transfer-listed player could leave the club, with a move into non-league football mentioned as a possible option. Anderson's departure would create room on the wage bill, providing financial flexibility for Cowan to make an addition.
Cowan has tasked head of recruitment Tom Ware with continuing the search. He noted there are still free agents available and that movement is expected in the National League, which could present opportunities. The manager admitted the protracted search has been a distraction, saying he has not been able to fully focus on the team due to wanting those players in the building. He is now leaving Ware with job lists to pursue potential signings.
Cowan acknowledges he has sufficient numbers in the squad following the summer business. However, he emphasizes that quality is the priority over mere quantity. "For numbers, yeah. Look, it’s about quality, isn’t it?" Cowan stated.
The focus now shifts to the players already at the club to improve results. Fans can check the latest squad list and upcoming fixtures as Town look to climb the standings. The search for reinforcements, however, remains an active item for the recruitment team as they scour the available market.
