'Not here to be a cheerleader' - Jack Price backed to make big impact after Shrewsbury Town return

Gavin Cowan says veteran Jack Price does not want to be a “cheerleader” for Shrewsbury Town after making his return to the club.

Price made his first appearance since rejoining his hometown club in Tuesday night’s pre-season friendly against Stafford Rangers.

The 33-year-old is back at the Croud Meadow, where he spent the latter part of the 2023/24 season. A year away from competitive action followed that spell, before the midfielder linked up with Salop boss Gavin Cowan at former club Brackley Town in the National League last season.

Now, despite being in the latter stages of his career, Price is determined to make a significant contribution for Shrewsbury.

“When I had discussions with him, we knew that people would potentially perceive it as a cheap option, he lives around the corner and it’s easy,” boss Cowan said.

“I would never want to do something based off it being easy. Pricey doesn’t want to come here and just be a cheerleader. That's not what he’s here for. We’ve had deep conversations.

“We pipped a few clubs to the post by getting him. He wants to play for this football club, he loves this football club, he loves the area, he loves the people, he's one of them.

“I understand what sort of perception it might have. All I would say is trust me, he’s going to show people that he’s the player that he has been previously.

“We’re probably fortunate to be benefiting from him having, first of all, taken a year off from his own accord. And then working with Brackley has enabled him to get game time and be fit and strong. He did a great job for them.”

Prior to joining Shrewsbury for his first spell under Paul Hurst - where he helped the club avoid relegation from League One - Price suffered an Achilles tendon injury in March 2023 while playing for Colorado Rapids.

That proved to be his final appearance for the MLS side, where he enjoyed a successful five-year spell.

After linking up with Salop, Price said he feels “ready to go” from a fitness perspective and is healthy ahead of the club’s pre-season preparations.

Cowan has backed the former Wolves midfielder to show his quality for Shrewsbury during the upcoming campaign.

He added: “It's a no-brainer for us. I'm really excited to get him on that grass and get him playing football, because I know what he’s capable of.”