Shrewsbury Town takeover: 9 key points from Scott Davidson and Brad Friedel’s first interviews

Shrewsbury Town’s new era is here! New owner Scott Davidson and sporting director Brad Friedel have outlined their vision for the club in their first interviews since the takeover.

From ambitious plans to climb the football pyramid to recruitment, investment and the future of the academy, there was plenty to digest.

Here are the key points from what they had to say…

Why Shrewsbury?

Friedel revealed the ownership group considered clubs across several countries before settling on Shrewsbury.

Their search took them to Turkey, Poland, Portugal, Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as England. But they were looking for more than a football club to buy. They wanted somewhere they could make a difference on and off the pitch, while strengthening links with the local community.

The group wants to build an even stronger connection between Town and the people of Shrewsbury.

Friedel also believes there is no better place for football than the UK, whether to play, coach or own a club.

Once their focus turned to England, Shrewsbury ticked all the boxes. Davidson said it was Town or nothing.

A bespoke recruitment strategy

Friedel has arrived with a recruitment strategy designed specifically for Shrewsbury, which is ready to be put into practice.

He wants to enhance the existing department, using data to assess players and identify what is needed both now and in the future. He will work closely with Gavin Cowan and head of recruitment Tom Ware on this.

A global approach to recruitment

Shrewsbury are looking to widen their recruitment reach, with Friedel keen to explore markets around the world.

He named South America, Africa, the United States and European countries as areas Town will target, opening up opportunities to identify players from markets the club may not have explored before.

Friedel to be a daily presence at the club

Friedel is relocating to the UK and will be a daily presence at the training ground as he takes charge of the club’s football operations.

He will oversee all footballing matters, working closely with Cowan, his coaching staff and the recruitment department.

Roland Wycherley

Davidson paid tribute to former owner Roland Wycherley and suggested he could remain involved with the club.

Wycherley ended his 30-year ownership following the takeover, with Davidson praising his commitment and the foundations he leaves behind, including the development of the stadium and Town’s strong financial position.

He said there was nothing but admiration and gratitude for Wycherley’s contribution, adding that he looked forward to him continuing to “stay involved and be part of the club”.

Dooley and Montgomery to remain at Shrewsbury

Chief executive Liam Dooley and vice-chairman Duncan Montgomery will remain in their positions under the new ownership.

Davidson said he had been impressed by the pair and their work at the club, with both set to play a part in Town’s next chapter.

Davidson explains the benefits of his Uefa A licence

Davidson also spoke about the benefits of holding a Uefa A coaching licence, which gave him exposure to a wide range of coaching styles and philosophies.

Davidson added that he particularly enjoyed the academic side of the qualification, describing himself as a bit of a “nerd or dork” when it comes to learning.

Championship ambition for Shrewsbury

Town’s new ownership have made no secret of their ambition to climb the football pyramid, with the Championship a long-term aspiration.

Friedel hopes to see Shrewsbury in League One and knocking on the door of the second tier within five years.

Developing and selling homegrown talent

The new ownership want to continue bringing academy players through into the first team, while also recognising the financial opportunities that can come with developing homegrown talent.

Friedel said the club would “definitely look to capitalise” if they can generate money from players who have come through the academy.