Defender on why he ‘aligns’ with Gavin Cowan at Shrewsbury Town

The defender was frozen out before Cowan’s arrival but has become a key regular member of the squad, with the Town boss frequently praising his qualities.

And Stubbs says the pair’s shared outlook on football and life has helped their relationship flourish.

“It’s based on trust,” he said. “We have football chats, we have non-football chats.

“I think he’s similar to me in a lot of ways. He’s a centre-half and he’s quite vocal and he’s probably a big character.

“It’s obviously a professional relationship, but trust in what he’s trying to do with it.

“I think I’ve had a lot of managers now and sometimes I probably haven’t aligned with them. I think the gaffer’s certainly one I align more in terms of where he approaches the game, where he approaches life and what he’s like as a guy more than anything.”

Stubbs is also fully invested in Cowan’s ‘process’ on the pitch and admires the bravery he demands from his players.

“A lot of his messages are ones that I think football should have in terms of being brave, making mistakes,” the defender added.

“I think nowadays, certainly in football, you’re condemned for making a mistake and the gaffer’s not that.

“He wants you to make a mistake. It means that you’re trying new things. I think the way he approaches the game and his outlook on the game is very similar to mine probably. The way he manages the team and the changing room, I think we get on, that’s everything. We align a lot.”

Cowan has also highlighted Stubbs as one of the leaders within his squad, with the defender’s experience proving valuable.

Stubbs does not actively see himself as a leader, but accepts his character naturally puts him in that position - particularly as he looks to help Town’s younger players.

Asked if he sees himself as a key leader in the squad, Stubbs said: “No, probably not, I don’t see myself as it.

“I think I probably am, but it’s not something that I think about an awful lot. It’s not something I’ve got any real strong desire to actively pursue.

“I think my natural character comes out and I probably am a bit of a leader.

“I’ve always talked on the pitch, and probably talk a bit too much off the pitch as well. But yes, it’s something I understand how important it is as I’m getting older.

“Certainly when I see young boys coming through, they wear their hearts on their sleeves a lot more. So you do see the ups and downs of a young boy in terms of his emotions.

“I’m quite passionate about that. I don’t like them to go on in order to feel like they’re not getting the attention.

“But in terms of pursuing it, it’s not something I actively want to be, type of thing.”

Stubbs admitted his own start to the new season has been stop-start, with a red card against Salford City in Town’s EFL Cup opener followed by a spell on the sidelines after suffering concussion.

But having returned to the side and helped Town to victory over Northampton Town last weekend, the defender is now hoping to play his part in helping the group kick on.