Shrewsbury Town manager Gavin Cowan has issued a direct demand for more goals from his attacking players after a difficult start to the League Two campaign. The boss highlighted a stark contrast between prolific training sessions and a lack of cutting edge in competitive matches.
Shrewsbury have managed just two goals in their opening five league fixtures, securing only one win while conceding ten times. This follows a 2025 season where they finished 19th in League Two with 49 points and were the division's second-lowest scorers, netting 42 times but conceding 69. The current goal drought is a pressing concern for Cowan, who oversaw significant summer investment in his forward line.
The club actively strengthened their attack during the transfer window, bringing in Josh Davison, Joe Gbode, and Isaac Fletcher. However, none of the trio have yet made a significant impact in front of goal during matches. Cowan pointed to a frustrating disconnect, noting that both Fletcher and Davison regularly score eight or nine goals in every training session. "There has to be, there has to be," Cowan said, emphasizing the need for that form to appear on Saturdays. The manager's message is clear: potential must become production.
Cowan's analysis goes beyond simply telling his strikers to shoot more. He detailed the specific improvements required in the penalty area. "In the boxes, that’s where we’re lacking and that’s where it really matters," he stated. The manager stressed the importance of players getting their first contact right and finding better positioning in and around the goal. He also wants contributions from across the pitch, mentioning that midfielders and centre-halves need to add to the goal threat. In previous teams he has managed, Cowan recalled wing-backs sometimes being the highest scorers by arriving at the far post, a dynamic he would welcome at Shrewsbury.
The current struggles stand in sharp contrast to a positive run the team produced under Cowan's guidance previously. He referenced a spell of six wins in seven games as the benchmark he knows the squad is capable of reaching. Climbing from their current position will require rediscovering that clinical edge. Supporters can track the team's progress in the standings as the season develops. The gap to the top is already significant, with the club finishing 38 points behind champions Bromley last term.
With the transfer window closed, the solution must come from within the existing squad. Cowan's challenge is to unlock the confidence and composure his players show in training when it matters most on the pitch. The upcoming fixtures present an immediate opportunity to respond. The manager's public demand puts the spotlight squarely on his attacking unit to deliver, starting with their next League Two match. The full squad details are available on the club's squad page.
