Brackley boss Gavin Cowan leaves to take charge of League 2 strugglers Shrewsbury

Brackley Town manager Gavin Cowan has left the club to take charge of League 2 side Shrewsbury Town.

The Saints confirmed Cowan’s resignation earlier today (29/01), with it later being confirmed that Cowan would be taking the role with Shrewsbury the day after the Shrews announced the sacking of their Head Coach Michael Appleton.

Cowan has left Brackley after two and a half years in charge of the Northamptonshire club. He leaves after helping the Saints achieve promotion to the National League, with Brackley currently sat 15th in the table in their first season in the 5th tier of English football.

His last game in charge came on Tuesday (27/01), when the Saints lost a National League Cup tie away at Boreham Wood. In league action, Cowan leaves after a 5 game unbeaten run.

Chairman Matt Wise said, “We thank Gavin for his commitment and work at the club and wish him well in his next endeavour. The priority at the club now is to recruit a new manager. A unity and a togetherness have always been strengths at our club. I urge all supporters to come together and to get behind the team in these coming weeks.”

The move sees Cowan join a club who he represented as a player. His assistant Jamie Haynes, who also previously played for Shrewsbury, has also made the move from Northamptonshire to Shropshire. Haynes will work alongside Dave Edwards, who is also another former Shrews man.

Cowan told the official Shrewsbury site of his delight to make the move to The Croud Meadow to take over a Shrews side currently sat 21st in League Two.

He said, “It’s an honour and a privilege to be Shrewsbury Town’s head coach.

“The last few days have been a whirlwind, but I’m incredibly excited about the challenge ahead and the opportunity to represent this special football club once again.

“Whenever I’ve been successful in the past, it’s been by uniting the fans, the hierarchy and the players. That is what I’m determined to do here. We all need to be together. But I promise, we will build a football club to really make you proud.

“Working alongside Dave Edwards and Jamie Haynes gives me huge confidence – Jamie has been with me for 17 years and is outstanding in everything he does, while Dave’s knowledge, passion and love for the club speak for themselves.

“The three of us have an immense desire to see this football club do well, both on the pitch and in the community. We are determined to deliver success.”

Brackley have confirmed that club captain Gareth Dean will take charge as their interim boss, starting with this weekend’s National League match away at Sutton United.

The Saints said, “Following the resignation of First Team Manager Gavin Cowan this morning, Brackley Town can confirm that club captain Gareth Dean will take interim charge of first team affairs.

“Gareth will be assisted by Alastair Worby and will lead the team for Saturday’s fixture away at Sutton United.

“Further updates regarding the management position will be communicated in due course.”