‘We moved quickly’ - Gavin Cowan on securing Shrewsbury Town’s latest signing

Gavin Cowan has expressed his delight at securing Isaac Fletcher’s signature, revealing he is a long-time admirer of the midfielder.

The 24-year-old became Salop’s second signing of the summer, joining for an undisclosed fee from Barrow and penning a two-year deal at the Croud Meadow.

The 6ft 4in attacking midfielder scored seven goals and registered two assists in 31 League Two appearances for the Bluebirds last season, and Shrewsbury boss Cowan has hailed his new recruit’s attacking threat.

“Isaac is a player who I have been aware of for a long time having seen him play at Spennymoor and at Barrow,” he said.

“He is someone who has always impressed me.

“As soon as we became aware there was an opportunity to speak with Isaac, we moved quickly because we felt he was a player who could really add to the group.

“He gives us real versatility, with the ability to play in a number of midfield positions as well as further forward.

“Isaac has strong physical attributes, works tirelessly for the team and has a real knack for timing his runs into the box and scoring goals.

“We’re delighted to bring him to the football club.”

Fletcher becomes the latest recruit as part of Cowan’s summer rebuild as he looks to shape a competitive side capable of pushing higher up the League Two table following last season’s relegation battle.

Despite Barrow’s struggles, finishing bottom of the fourth tier, Fletcher impressed individually, ending the campaign as their second top scorer.

The 24-year-old joined Barrow from Spennymoor Town on a two-and-a-half-year deal in January 2025. Shrewsbury have now paid an undisclosed fee to release him from his contract and bring him to Shropshire.

He becomes Shrewsbury’s second signing of the summer following the arrival of Arkell Jude-Boyd from Cheltenham Town.

Fletcher began his career at Middlesbrough, joining the club as an under-10 before progressing through the academy and turning professional in November 2020.

He went on to have loan spells at Hartlepool United and Scunthorpe United before scoring 11 goals in 22 appearances for Spennymoor, earning his move to Barrow.

Fletcher bolsters Town’s midfield and attacking options, with several departures at the end of last season leaving gaps to fill. Attacking midfielder Anthony Scully was among those released by Shrewsbury, while loanees Tommy McDermott and Iwan Morgan also featured in the role during the campaign.