Brad Friedel hails ‘special’ Shrewsbury Town occasion after winning start of new era

New sporting director Brad Friedel hailed a “really special” occasion as Shrewsbury Town’s new era began in winning style.

Salop enjoyed a winning start under their new American owners, who were watching on from the stands.

New owner Scott Davidson celebrated joyously as Town overcame Oldham Athletic on a historic day at the Meadow to move within a point of the League Two play-off places.

Reflecting on the occasion, Friedel said: “Really special. For Scott and I, we have been at this for a long time. We have had many ups and downs along the way, that has been clearly stated.

“But it was a great feeling when the final whistle went. To see the look on all the players’ faces.

“It is probably the closest that it comes to playing again, when you win and see all of the players and the staff and how happy everyone is. Everyone in the stadium went home very happy too.”

Kevin Berkoe was the star of the show as Salop claimed a 2-1 victory. The wing-back headed home the opener in the 73rd minute before producing a sublime assist for Josh Davison to double their lead minutes later.

The victory capped a momentous week in the club’s history.

“Look how well they played with the pressure. That tells you a lot about their character,” Friedel added.

“We are just really pleased to get off to a winning start. Now we have got to forget about this one and carry onto the next one. That’s football.”

The Meadow was packed with Town supporters, with a buzz building long before kick-off as Davidson and Friedel mixed with Salopians.

Those in the stands celebrated joyously at full-time, with the celebrations rounded off by three cheers with delighted boss Gavin Cowan.

Friedel was full of praise for the atmosphere, saying: “I have been to a few games and watched every game since March, and I have to say this was the best that I have seen the stadium. It was the most energy that I have seen.

“And we hope to make it even better. We are hoping to improve the matchday experience for the fans.

“We are hoping to help Gavin and the first team squad to make sure he has every resource available to be competitive on the pitch.

“We are not going to win every game, that’s for sure, so everybody is going to have to stick together as we carry through this journey.

“Our ultimate goal is to improve things on the pitch, off the pitch, in the community, and move up the football pyramid.”

He added: “Hopefully we get enough points to get into the play-off places or into automatic promotion. That’s what we hope for. If we don’t then we will rebuild again in the summer.”