Gavin Cowan reveals Shrewsbury Town’s goalkeeping transfer plans this summer

Shrewsbury Town will look to recruit another goalkeeper this summer despite coach Harry Burgoyne being considered as a potential alternative option.

Cowan confirmed Burgoyne is set to remain in his coaching role next season, while also suggesting he could still be called upon in an emergency if required.

The Salop chief said the 29-year-old retains a “thirst to play” and is fully fit, but the club are continuing to steer him towards a longer-term coaching pathway.

Burgoyne, who rejoined Shrewsbury Town in February as goalkeeping coach following the departure of Brian Jensen, had previously made 19 appearances for National League North side Alfreton Town before his return.

While Cowan acknowledged Burgoyne could provide cover if needed, he stressed the club are still planning to recruit another goalkeeper.

“We'll look to recruit another goalkeeper,” he said.

“What I meant by that was, when you've got two goalkeepers to have a young, energetic, vibrant goalkeeper coach like that, it’s absolutely out of this world for him.

“He's a brilliant role model. He's very professional, he's great around the place as well.

“He just keeps using my coffee machine, so he's going to get a bill soon. He keeps coming in and using the machine.

“It's probably the only negative thing I've got to say about him that he keeps using all my coffee pods.”

Shrewsbury currently have only Will Brook as a senior goalkeeper, with the 22-year-old featuring in the final two matches of the season after an 18-game spell on the bench.

During that period, Matt Cox, on loan from Brentford, held the gloves and impressed following his January arrival. That spell came after Elyh Harrison returned to Manchester United midway through his loan from the Premier League side.

Brook earned praise from Cowan, who said the club effectively had two “number ones” at the end of the campaign. The 22-year-old made 20 League Two appearances this season.

He initially joined Shrewsbury in August on a deal until the end of the season, before signing a two-and-a-half-year extension in November following an impressive start.

Loan goalkeeper Cox has now returned to Brentford, with Shrewsbury keen to bring in a replacement. Cowan did leave the door open for a possible return, but admitted that outcome is “unlikely”.