Shrewsbury boss Cowan targets fresh attacking talent after summer setback

Shrewsbury Town manager Danny Cowan is hunting for attacking reinforcements to bolster his League Two squad after a narrow 1-0 loss to Gillingham on the final day of the 2025-26 season. The defeat left the Shropshire club in 19th place on 49 points, 38 adrift of runaway Bromley, with just 13 wins from 46 games and a goal difference of -27.

The side’s recent form has been patchy at best, with no wins in their last five outings and two consecutive defeats sandwiched between three draws. Their 1-0 reverse at Priestfield Stadium on 2 May 2026 capped a campaign that saw them score 42 goals but concede 69, leaving them firmly mid-table in England’s fourth tier.

Why Cowan is hunting firepower

Cowan, who took charge in the summer of 2025, has made no secret of his desire to add goals to a side that struggled for consistency in front of goal. With only 42 strikes in 46 matches, the manager will be looking to bring in options who can improve that return, particularly as the club eyes a push up the table in the new campaign.

The loss to Gillingham, a side that finished mid-table themselves, highlighted the need for greater cutting edge in attack. Shrewsbury’s inability to break down stubborn defences cost them dearly, and Cowan will be keen to address that before the league curtain raiser against a yet-to-be-confirmed opponent.

What comes next for the Shrews?

Pre-season training is already underway as Cowan plots his summer recruitment, with several positions under review. The club’s hierarchy has backed the manager’s vision, but the window for signings is tight, and the competition for quality League Two talent is fierce.

Fans will be hoping for a stronger showing in 2026-27, especially after a campaign that saw them finish just six points clear of the relegation zone. With Bromley already 38 points ahead, the gap to the top is daunting, but Cowan’s side will be targeting a more competitive edge in the coming months.

The new season is yet to kick off, but Shrewsbury’s early preparations suggest they’re determined to turn last term’s struggles into a platform for progress. Cowan’s next move in the transfer market could define whether that ambition becomes reality.

League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 19th in League Two, 49 pts, 13W-10D-23L from 46 games, recent form LDDWL.