'Brighter days' - Mal Benning on where Gavin Cowan can take Shrewsbury Town next

Departing veteran Mal Benning believes there are “brighter times ahead” for Shrewsbury Town under Gavin Cowan.

However, the 32-year-old has warned there is still plenty of work ahead for Cowan and his staff as they look to build on a strong end to the campaign.

Benning will depart Salop at the end of the season when his contract expires after a three-year spell in Shropshire.

The defender, who recently celebrated 500 professional career appearances, has faith that the Town boss can build on the revival that saw the club retain their Football League status.

“Under this gaffer, there'll be brighter times ahead,” said Benning after his final appearance at the Croud Meadow.

“Let's not get too excited - there's a lot of work still to be done and he knows that.

“But the way I've seen him manage and coach and speak to players, every aspect of management, I think he's top class. Hopefully that transpires into next season and they can finish as high as possible.

“Look, everyone will say a promotion, but it takes time to build to that. It's a good start to that.

“Hopefully it might be next season. But it'll just be a better season than the last three, hopefully.”

Benning featured from the bench last weekend, helping Salop come from behind to earn a dramatic late draw with Fleetwood Town.

Cowan has previously referred to the defender being left “out in the cold” when he arrived. The 32-year-old had featured in just three league games prior to his appointment and was made available for transfer during the January window.

During that month, Benning shared a post online admitting it had been a “real test” of a season and expressing his hope that new opportunities might arise for more game time.

However, he remained at the club, with Cowan taking the helm, and since then Benning has gone on to make a further 13 league appearances.

Benning hailed Cowan’s impact on him personally, adding: “He's been top class, I can't speak highly enough of the gaffer.

“He came in and said: ‘Look, I like you as a player, you’re not going nowhere, you're staying here’. He saw my couple of posts on LinkedIn and banned me from posting on there.

“But he has a wonderful commitment. I felt like I gave that and he gave me back. He’s been honest with me and I can't speak highly enough of him.

“I hope he enjoys a lot of success at this club because he and his management team do care about the club a lot.”