AFC Telford United have swooped to make Nuneaton defender Gavin Cowan their third summer signing.The 27-year-old has penned a one-year deal at the New Bucks Head after coming to an agreement that saw him released from his contract at Nuneaton yesterday afternoon.
The Shropshire side were linked with the former Shrewsbury Town and Canvey Island man last week, but were unable to follow up their interest until he became a free agent.
But financial problems within the Warwickshire club, who are expected to go into liquidation on Monday, have sped up the process.
Cowan has established a reputation as one of the best defenders in the league in his 14 months at the club.
He previously caught the eye in an earlier loan spell at Nuneaton, where his form persuaded Shrewsbury Town to pay an initial £5,000 to his parent club Canvey in March 2005.
But opportunities at the other end of the A5 were limited and, after a loan spell at Kidderminster, he joined Grays in January 2007 before moving back to the Midlands with Nuneaton once again just two months later.
“I don’t think we can really ask to make a better signing,” said delighted boss Rob Smith.
“He’s got experience, he’s a left-sided centre-back – which is always a bonus – and he’s good going forward for corners.
“He’s very, very hungry for success and he’s taken a whopping pay cut to come here.
“He’s chased us really, and we thought he’d be out of our league financially. I thought Nuneaton’s defence was very solid last season and Gav was a big part of that.
“The competition for places will really go up a notch next season, and that’s what we need if we are going to be serious about going for it.”
Cowan’s arrival at Telford follows hot on the heels of the signings of midfielder Liam Blakeman and striker Terry Fearns.
Another striker is expected to arrive early next week as boss Rob Smith puts the finishing touches to his squad in an effort to go one better than last season when the Bucks finished runners-up.
By Chris Hudson
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One Comment
I read that Gavin COWAN has signed a deal at Telford. What a capture for Rob SMITH. If he’d have been given a real chance at my club Shrewsbury Town I believe he would have proved a shrewd signing. Good luck Gavin, you have my vote.
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