Defender Gavin Cowan believes he has landed on his feet after leaving AFC Telford United and signing for Blue Square North rivals Fleetwood Town.

Centre-back Cowan, who also runs his own business Crossbar Coaching, was officially released on Thursday but wasted no time in finding new employers.

The 28-year-old has signed a deal to the end of the season with the Lancashire club – and has set his sights on winning the promotion that eluded him at Telford.

“The manager Micky Mellon got in touch and said he was surprised to hear I was leaving Telford,” said the former Shrewsbury player.

“He said he’d been interested previously but never did anything about it because he didn’t think it would be on the cards.

“For my part, I’m delighted because it’s a club going places and they’re very keen to get promoted.”

Cowan believes a clause in his contract stipulating he would earn a new contract once he reached 30 appearances for the season is the underlining reason for his Bucks departure.

He had totted up 27 appearances for the season, 90 in total since signing in May 2008, and admits he is sad to be leaving.

“The fans have been very supportive and it’s a unique place to play at this level,” said Cowan.

“I’ve also been very lucky whilst at Telford that the chairman has been supportive of what I’ve been doing with Crossbar Coaching, so I’m grateful for that as well.

“I’d like to think I upheld my side of the bargain – I gave everything I could for the club.”

l Telford are giving a trial to former Wolves midfielder Kevin O’Connor, 24.

The ex-Republic of Ireland under-21 international made three starts at Molineux under Mick McCarthy before retiring from the professional game on medical grounds due to a nerve problem.

• Today’s scheduled Blue Square North clash with Farsley Celtic at the New Bucks Head was called off late yesterday due to a waterlogged pitch.

By Chris Hudson