‘He’s electric’ - Gavin Cowan excited by Shrewsbury Town’s new striker

Gavin Cowan wants to help Joe Gbode “take the next step” after the striker became Shrewsbury Town’s latest summer signing.

The 21-year-old is Salop’s seventh addition of the transfer window, joining on a season-long loan from League One side Luton Town.

The former Gillingham forward scored three goals during a loan spell at National League outfit Woking in the second half of last season, and Cowan believes he is the perfect fit for his plans.

“Joe perfectly fits the profile of player we want to bring to the football club,” he said.

“He's a very good player at this level, with pace, power and the ability to score goals. When he gets defenders one-on-one, he's electric, and we're really excited to have him at the club.

“What really stood out to me was his attitude. After moving from Gillingham to Luton last year, he found himself out of favour, but instead of waiting for an opportunity, he chose to go and play regular football in the National League.

“He's not a National League player - he's an EFL player - but he showed a fantastic mindset by doing whatever it took to keep playing and continue his development.

“He's someone I've known about for a while. He's still only 21 and is a striker with enormous potential.

“We've already seen what a great character he is. Now it's about helping him take the next step.”

Gbode came through Gillingham’s academy before making his senior debut in 2021. He enjoyed a breakthrough 2024/25 campaign, scoring three goals in 34 League Two appearances, before adding another goal at the start of last season ahead of his move to Luton.

He made five League One appearances for the Hatters before joining Woking on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

Gbode could make his Shrewsbury debut when Town begin their pre-season programme away to Stafford Rangers on Tuesday night (July 14).

He joins fellow striker Josh Davison among Shrewsbury’s attacking additions this summer, with both hoping to make an immediate impact.

While Gbode further strengthens Town’s forward options, Cowan admits there is still work to do before the transfer window closes.

The Salop chief added: “We're pleased to have him in ahead of our first pre-season friendly.

“We've done the vast majority of our business early, which was important to us, although there's still work to do.

“We may need a bit of movement in the other direction before we can bring more players in, but we're working hard behind the scenes to identify the right targets.

“Joe is another really positive addition for us. He's young, strong, athletic and quick, and we've seen the level he's capable of reaching. We're excited to work with him.”