* 20/02/2026
* 11:00
* Modified: 20/02/2026
**Shrewsbury Town have received a high-profile vote of confidence after former England captain John Terry publicly [pledged his support](https://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/football/shrewsbury-town-fc/2026/02/20/im-officially-a-shrewsbury-town-man-england-legend-john-terry-throws-support-behind-salop/) to the club and the new era under Gavin Cowan.**
The former Chelsea defender shared a clip on Instagram while preparing for the Icons of Football golf competition, where he was representing England alongside fellow former international Joe Hart. During the exchange, Hart updated Terry on the resurgence at Salop following Cowan’s arrival, highlighting the renewed sense of identity around the club.
Hart, a Shrewsbury academy graduate who went on to win two Premier League titles with Manchester City, spoke passionately about the importance of local ties within the coaching staff. Cowan, a former Shrewsbury player who also featured for and managed AFC Telford United, has returned with a mandate to reconnect the club with its roots. He is supported by former Town favourite Dave Edwards and ex-youth player Jamie Haynes.
John Terry backs Salop
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In the clip, Terry immediately recognised the significance of those connections.
> “On the back of this, I am officially a Shrewsbury Town man. “More importantly you touched on something there, how important it is to have someone in the football club that knows and understands the town, the fans, and the people. “Look at Carrick now and the response he’s had in the last few games.”
Hart responded by underlining what the shift means locally.
> “It genuinely means the world. I’ve still got family who live there and I know it will mean everything to them.”
Regional connections matter
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Shrewsbury’s hierarchy had made it clear that strong regional connections were central to their search for a new head coach, following the sacking of Michael Appleton after a disastrous tenure. Cowan’s appointment has coincided with an upturn in form: Salop head to Accrington Stanley this weekend, chasing a fourth consecutive League Two victory, aiming to further distance themselves from the relegation zone.
The endorsement from a figure of Terry’s stature adds further spotlight to the project underway in Shropshire. While the hard work remains on the pitch, the sense of unity between management, players and supporters appears to be strengthening, and external backing from well-known names in the game will only amplify the belief that a brighter chapter is beginning at Montgomery Waters Meadow.