Shrewsbury have new message to get behind - Boyle

Shrewsbury Town centre-back Will Boyle says the squad are embracing new head coach Gavin Cowan's fresh ideas in their fight to stay in League Two.

Shrewsbury Town defender Will Boyle shouts and points to team mates during a match
Will Boyle has scored two goals in 27 league games for Shrewsbury so far this season [Getty Images]

Shrewsbury Town defender Will Boyle says new head coach Gavin Cowan has brought a freshness and "a new message to get behind" as they battle to stay in League Two.

Salop earned a valuable point in Cowan's first game in charge against Barnet on Saturday, two days after the former Brackley boss replaced Michael Appleton at Croud Meadow.

The result inched Town three points clear of second bottom Newport County in the table.

Boyle, who joined Shrewsbury from Wrexham in the summer, said Cowan has been very purposeful in his first week at the club.

"He's given us a lot of information and is sure on what he wants us to do," he told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"We've brought into it and I think that's good for the group.

"He wasn't shy of putting the information into us over and over again. The enthusiasm's there and we're looking forward to building on that performance [against Barnet]."

Former Salop defender Cowan succeeded Appleton after the club parted company with the ex-Blackpool, Oxford and Lincoln boss following a run of one win in 11 league games.

Boyle said he was "sad to see" Appleton, and assistant Richard O'Donnell, leave but is aware that is part and parcel of the game.

"Everyone respected them and no-one like to see a manager lose their job but it's the nature of the beast," Boyle said.

"Michael's been there before and knows it's unfortunately the way the game goes. It's sad to se them leave but we have to move on and get behind the [new] manager's messages."

Boyle said Cowan's arrival has changed the environment in the dressing room as they try to avoid relegation out of the English Football League.

The 30-year-old said that was a "natural" consequence when someone else takes charge.

"He's breathed a breath of fresh air into the building, which I think comes naturally with a new manager," he said.

"We've got a new message to get behind. We've got a spirit and camaraderie that, at times this season, has been tested.

"We've got 18 game to look after it [EFL status] but if we work hard for each other and get behind the gaffer's messages and strategies then we'll give ourselves a fighting chance."

Category: General Sports