Shrewsbury Town are pushing to sign a striker before the transfer window closes while preparing for a League Two trip to Rochdale. The BBC reported the upcoming fixture details as manager Gavin Cowan, speaking to reporters, confirmed his desire to add attacking depth this week.
Shrewsbury currently sit 18th in the table with three points from one win and two losses. They have scored two goals and conceded five, leaving them four points behind early leaders Barnet.
Manager Gavin Cowan has made it clear that signing another striker is his main objective before the summer window shuts. He told reporters the club will "give everything" to make a deal happen, though financial realities may ultimately prevent it. Cowan stressed his belief in the existing forwards but said competition and extra goals are needed over a long season.
"I would love to, I’m banging my head on that door to make it happen," Cowan said about bringing in a striker. The Salop boss acknowledged the club's hierarchy is willing to act if a deal is feasible, but the overall health of the club must come first. This pursuit comes after Shrewsbury secured their first league win of the campaign against Salford City last weekend.
The BBC's preview notes this Tuesday's match will be the first Football League meeting between Rochdale and Shrewsbury since March 2021. Shrewsbury won that League One encounter 2-0 and could now secure back-to-back away league wins at Rochdale for the first time in their history. Their opponents are bottom of League Two with zero points from their opening games.
Shrewsbury's form shows a mixed bag, with a league win against Salford but also heavy cup defeats. A concerning trend is their lack of goals on the road; they have failed to score in each of their last three away league games. Their overall season stats of two goals scored and five conceded highlight the need for more firepower, which Cowan is actively seeking.
Cowan also provided an update on the club's interest in Burnley youngster Kian McMahon-Brown. He told reporters there was "no update" on the 18-year-old after a deal seemed close last Friday. The manager indicated the club is looking at multiple options, with a preference for experienced players who can contribute immediately.
"We need experience, we need people who we know can come in and do the job," Cowan stated. This pragmatic approach suggests the final days of the window will be busy as Shrewsbury look to strengthen a squad that has started the season inconsistently. Fans can view the full roster on our squad page.
The immediate focus is the Rochdale fixture, a chance to build momentum after that first victory. With a record of one win and two losses, improving their offensive output is critical. The club's goal difference of minus-three shows this point.
Cowan's transfer efforts will define the final shape of the group for the autumn months. Whether a new striker arrives or not, Shrewsbury must find more consistency.
