Gavin Cowan reveals the life-changing poem from a former Shrewsbury Town boss

One of the most influential lessons Gavin Cowan learned in football did not come from a tactics board. It came from a poem.

Despite not seeing eye to eye two decades ago, the Shrewsbury Town boss now describes former manager Gary Peters as one of the biggest influences on his life.

Peters managed Salop between November 2004 and March 2008, with Cowan spending part of that spell under him as a player.

Cowan admits the pair were not the best of friends during their time together at the club, but says the lessons he learned from Peters have stayed with him ever since.

The Town boss revealed how a simple poem handed to him by Peters years ago went on to have a profound impact.

Speaking to the Shropshire Star earlier this summer, Cowan said: “I recently spoke to Gary on the phone and thanked him. We never got on, but I think he’s probably been one of the three or four most influential people in my life in terms of work ethic.

“I remember years ago he gave us a poem about basically looking in the mirror. It changed me.

“Not initially, but then I found it probably two years later. I’d obviously kept it for a reason.

“It was all about being accountable for yourself, looking in the mirror, not blaming anybody else and being responsible for your own decisions.

“It was great to speak to him recently. He was in really good form and I’m looking forward to him coming back to watch a game. He’s accepted my invite.

“He was very complimentary. Really, really lovely, which is contrary to the way he was as a manager, he was very hard on me.

“It was really great to catch up with him. He’s in really good spirits.”

A former defender, Cowan played for Shrewsbury between March 2005 and January 2007. His spell at the club also included a loan move to Kidderminster Harriers before his contract was cancelled, allowing him to move elsewhere.

Cowan returned to the Croud Meadow as manager in late January this year before leading a remarkable turnaround that secured League Two safety. Reflecting on his playing career, he says he has drawn lessons from a host of managers he worked under.

“I think I’ve been really fortunate, actually,” he added.

“I’d say there are probably a couple that people wouldn’t know too much about, but Brian Little showed me the softer side. He taught me to have a little bit more empathy with players and team-mates. An unbelievable character.

“Probably the classiest man I’ve ever met and I’m really grateful to say he’s my friend.

“From a coaching perspective, I’d say Rob Edwards and Marcus Bignot were top, top class.

“I played under Kevin Wilkin quite a lot, who’s now at Telford. He’s an excellent man-manager.

“He had a real knack of showing he was disappointed. You never wanted to disappoint him.

“He wouldn’t say too much, but you never wanted to let him down. That creates really strong bonds with players, and I had a strong bond with him. I still call him gaffer.

“So I’ve been really fortunate. Even beyond those names, I’ve had other managers who have been great.

“I had the late Justin Edinburgh for a short period, who was a really lovely guy. I had Jeff King, who was brilliant. There’s been too many to mention.”