Shrewsbury Town manager Gavin Cowan has openly admitted he cannot wait for the summer transfer window to shut. The League Two boss made his feelings clear in an interview this week, just hours before the deadline passes at 11pm tonight.
Cowan, who took charge at the Croud Meadow in late January, is experiencing his first full transfer window as an EFL manager. The period has seen significant activity, with the club welcoming 11 new recruits over the summer while also securing the retained services of defenders Josh Ruffels and Luca Hoole. Despite this productive business, the relentless nature of the market has taken its toll.
The Shrewsbury Town boss described the past ten weeks as mentally draining. "It's been the most mental 10 weeks to be honest," Cowan told reporters. He explained that the process has required constant effort, from dealing with agents and other clubs to pressing for answers and probing for opportunities. Cowan stated he has had to be uncomfortable and ask difficult questions, emphasizing that he does not want an easy life in management.
This intense period comes as Shrewsbury seek to improve their early season form. The team currently sits 18th in the League Two table with three points from their opening three matches, recording one win and two losses. Their goal difference stands at minus three, having scored twice while conceding five times. They are four points behind the early pace-setters, Barnet.
With the window closing, Cowan's attention can fully shift to on-pitch matters. His immediate task is preparing the squad for their next League Two encounter against Rochdale. The manager expressed clear relief that the constant speculation and negotiation will soon be over. "I can’t wait for it to be over, because it has literally dominated every area of my life," he said.
The closure of the window provides stability, allowing Cowan and his coaching staff to work with a settled group. The 11 summer arrivals will now be integrated fully into the squad as Shrewsbury aim to climb the table. The team's recent form reads as a win followed by two consecutive defeats, a sequence they will be desperate to correct. Fans can view the upcoming schedule on our fixtures list.
Shrewsbury's summer business has been substantial, reshaping the group Cowan inherited. The retention of Ruffels and Hoole provided a defensive foundation early in the window. The subsequent influx of 11 new faces represents a major overhaul, giving the manager fresh options across the pitch. Building cohesion within this new-look squad is the next critical phase.
The end of transfer dealings means the focus turns entirely to coaching and performance. Cowan can now plan with certainty, knowing the personnel at his disposal for the coming months. This clarity is vital as Shrewsbury look to address their defensive record and find more consistency in front of goal. The full roster is available on our squad page.
Shrewsbury Town's next match is a League Two fixture away at Rochdale, scheduled for this Saturday.
