Gavin Cowan explains ‘popular Pete’ stance in Shrewsbury Town togetherness drive
Cowan explained why no Shrewsbury Town player gets left behind.
Gavin Cowan has outlined his togetherness drive at Shrewsbury Town, insisting there will be no “popular Pete” treatment under his watch.
The Town boss wants every member of his squad to remain connected, whether they are in the team, injured, suspended or left out. That includes travelling with the group for away trips, even when players are not in the matchday squad.
It comes as veteran midfielder Jack Price continues his recovery from injury, with hopes he could return for this weekend’s FA Cup trip to Eastleigh.
“Injured or out of the squad, you’re a squad. And everybody’s going to be needed,” Cowan told the Shropshire Star.
“Managers of yesteryear, I felt the XI, and certainly those in and around the XI, were like popular Pete. They were around everywhere, and there was a bit of favouritism towards them. I’ve never really understood that.
“We’re either in it together or we’re not. And me and my players, we’re all in it.
“So, at the annoyance of the chairman, I like them all to travel with me on overnight stays. And that’s extra rooms, of course.
“I like to keep everybody together. I don’t like people being left behind. I don’t like people staying at home, whether they’re in the squad, out of the squad, injured, or suspended.
“Everybody together, everybody rubbing shoulders, everybody in on it and bringing good energy and good intentions.”
Jay Turner-Cooke and Isaac Fletcher have both been absent in recent matches through suspension, while Michael Golding also spent time on the sidelines last month with injury.
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Price is continuing his recovery, while Joe Gbode missed the league fixtures against Crawley Town and Bristol Rovers with a minor injury.
The Luton Town loanee returned with a full 90 minutes against Everton Under-21s in the EFL Trophy last week before making a brief appearance off the bench against Gillingham on Saturday.
“He had a bit of a niggle, but he is feeling really strong now,” Cowan added.
“Joe is that type of character that when he gets injured, he is a bit hard done by.
“But the group is so together and they got him through that week or so where he felt that if he was fit he would be in the team. That was hard for him.
“In the second half we saw how explosive he is and what he can do. It is great to have him back in the fold.”
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