"Flattered" - Gavin Cowan on Dave Edwards' decision to join Shrewsbury Town coaching staff
Gavin Cowan says he was "flattered" to hear that Dave Edwards would not have stepped into coaching had it not been for him or Shrewsbury Town.
Former Salop favourite Edwards has been named as Cowan's joint assistant head coach, alongside ex-Salop youth player Jamie Haynes.
The role marks Cowan's first managerial post in the Football League and Edwards' first coaching position since retiring from playing.
Edwards enjoyed two spells at his boyhood club, initially between 2003 and 2007 before returning from 2019 to 2021, and will now look to help steer Town away from danger in League Two.
"It was really flattering to hear that Dave said he wouldn't have done it if it wasn't me and if it wasn't Shrewsbury Town," said new boss Cowan. "That was a real privilege in itself.
"What Dave brings to the party is a wealth of experience and absolute love and desire for the football club, which is hugely important to me.
"We've got a really good dynamic between myself, Dave, Jamie and Sean Parrish. We've all got skill sets that I think the players should be lapping up.
"Jamie is another die-hard Salopian. He's been my closest confidant now for 20 years in football and business. He has an excellent skill set, he is a brilliant coach, his professionalism is through the roof.
"When I made the call to the two lads and just said, look, this is what I've been offered this job. I want to take you with me.
"It's so important that we have people who love the football club and want to be around it day-to-day among the fans. Not just in that ivory tower of ours in my office at the training ground, I want to be in with the fans.
"I want to speak to them. I want to feel their energy. I want them to be buoyant. I want them to feel connected.
"That's the biggest thing for me. I want the club to become connected again throughout."
Edwards has remained closely involved with Shrewsbury since his retirement, working across several broadcasters, writing a weekly column for the Shropshire Star, and co-hosting the In The Stiffs podcast alongside Cowan and fellow former Salop favourite Sam Aiston.
Both Edwards and Cowan, who live locally, have regularly attended Shrewsbury matches as supporters.
Cowan added: "Dave brings a real calm. There is a love for the football club among the three of us. We're here for success and legacy.
"When Michael was unfortunately let go, there would have been a lot of people knocking on Liam's door. So we know we're in a privileged position, but we're here because we've got a desire to do well for the football club.
"A big part of that is on the pitch. But we obviously want to try and address, the mood, the culture around the players, and just make them the best version of themselves.
"We spoke a lot about that relationship and what we're going to bring to the table and how it's going to elevate them to be the best version of themselves."