Shrewsbury Town manager Gavin Cowan is keeping his focus on the pitch as the club awaits a takeover by an American consortium. Cowan stressed the importance of staying calm and controlling what he can while the off-field process unfolds.
Speaking after Saturday's 2-0 home win over Northampton Town, Cowan said his priority is preparing the team. "Whatever happens on that side happens," he told reporters. "It's all about preparing the team to try to concentrate on getting results."
Focus on the controllables
The prospective new owners are a group led by American businessman Scott Davidson, who is also a director at Scottish League Two side Spartans. The consortium includes former Liverpool and United States goalkeeper Brad Friedel. Cowan has not discussed the situation with his players, insisting his job is to maintain stability.
"That's what the chairman would want. Or any prospective new owners would want," Cowan said. "It's all about the process. All about trying to stay calm. I haven't even spoken to the players about it."
Building on home form
The victory over Northampton, secured with goals from Kian McMahon-Brown and Kevin Berkoe, gave Shrewsbury back-to-back home wins without conceding. This positive home form contrasts sharply with their away struggles, where they have lost all three league games, failing to score and conceding seven goals. The team's current league position of 19th, with 5 points from 6 games, shows the need for improvement. Cowan will be looking to his top scorer, Kian McMahon-Brown, who has netted 3 goals in 6 appearances, to help turn their form around.
Cowan's immediate task is to address that poor away record, starting with the next fixture at Crewe Alexandra this Saturday. Crewe currently sit 8th in the table, presenting a tough challenge. The full schedule ahead is available on our fixtures list. The manager's calm approach will be tested as he seeks to build momentum and steer the team clear of the lower reaches of the division.
This story first appeared at bbc.com
