BUCKS HAVE GOT THEIR BUZZ BACK
GAVIN COWAN reckons he’s brought the buzz back to the Bucks after steering AFC Telford United to an unlikely promotion charge.
The 37-year-old rookie boss led cash-strapped Telford to the dizzy heights of third in the National League North table before yesterday’s clash with leaders Bradford Park Avenue, courtesy of an impressive six-game unbeaten run.
And the former Bucks playing favourite says he has got the community and local businesses back on side and is hoping that a collective effort can steer the famous Staffordshire club back into the top-flight where they feel they belong.
“In my days here as a player, the club was very successful and there was a real buzz about the place,” Cowan told The NLP. “It engaged the whole community but sadly that had fallen away in recent years.
Process
“When I took over in the summer, I needed to get people on board to help us get that back and the signs are good that we now have that that unity again.
“Obviously results on the field help that but they come with a support network from fans, local businesses and schools bringing everyone together.”
So, with what is per- to be the fifth lowest budget in National League North, how has Cowan, in management for a matter of just six months, been able to turn a relegationthreatened side into promotion chasers?
“By making us as versatile as possible and with strategic recruitment,” added Cowan, who played most of his football at Step 2 with Braintree, Canvey Island and Nuneaton Borough, mixed with a spell in the Football League with Shrewsbury Town.
“It’s been about recruiting the right characters to buy into the process of what we are trying to do and creating a togetherness. It appears to be working pretty well at the moment as we have some fantastic characters and big belief in the camp.
“It’s a common misconception in this league that we are full-time and that’s quite flattering to be honest.
Opportunity
“We have a few select lads who come in and recover on a Monday morning but, apart from that, it’s Tuesday night and Thursday night training as normal. We haven’t got the budget for any more than that.”
One player who is already turning heads is top scorer Daniel Udoh, and although no firm offers have been received for the Nigerian-born former Crewe Alexandra striker as of yet, Cowan is now bracceived ing himself for some January activity.
“We’ve had no firm interest as yet but I imagine there will be as he is a very good player who scores goals,” Cowan admitted.
“At the moment, Daniel is just focused on learning his trade and continuing to enjoy his football.
“Obviously we would never stand in his way if the opportunity came along to better himself but Daniel is a humble, intelligent lad who is just concentrating on keeping his place in the side and playing to the best of his ability.”