Shrewsbury Town defender earns big praise from boss after return from concussion

Sam Stubbs earned praise from Shrewsbury Town boss Gavin Cowan after making his return to action.

Stubbs made his first appearance since suffering a concussion against Barnet in Town’s defeat at Fleetwood Town on Saturday.

Despite the 1-0 loss, Cowan was impressed by the central defender’s display and his leadership at the heart of the back line.

“I thought he was excellent,” Cowan said. “I thought his leadership and composure was excellent, just excellent.”

Stubbs had been sidelined since taking a heavy blow to the head during the 3-1 defeat to Barnet on August 22.

The central defender has regularly earned praise from Cowan for his influence within the side. Stubbs had been frozen out under the previous regime before Cowan’s arrival in late January, but went on to feature heavily and play a key role in Town’s push to safety.

Ahead of Saturday’s defeat, Cowan expressed his delight at having Stubbs back available.

He said: “He’s massive for us. We talk about mentality, he had come back really strong in pre-season, really fit.

“We were really disappointed to lose him at Salford, and then he comes on to help us over the line against Barnet and it was catastrophic what happened. It’s great to have him back.

“He’s a leader and has a really strong mentality in being connected to the group.”

Stubbs will now hope to play a key role in helping Town turn around their difficult start to the League Two campaign.