Brad Friedel outlines Shrewsbury recruitment plans after takeover

Brad Friedel has outlined plans to expand Shrewsbury Town's recruitment operation and work daily alongside head coach Gavin Cowan following the club's takeover. Speaking to BBC Radio Shropshire, the new sporting director said a recruitment department was already working, with a wider international search for players among its priorities.

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Friedel said the operation would use a customised data platform to accelerate scouting, but that numbers alone would not determine signings. He also intends to relocate and attend training daily. His approach places collaboration with Cowan at the centre of football decisions, rather than leaving the sporting director as an occasional presence.

Shrewsbury's own announcement identifies Biscayne ST LLC, controlled by new chairman Scott Davidson, as the company that completed the acquisition earlier this week. The club named Friedel, Spartans chairman Craig Graham and fellow Spartans director Will Dotson as members of the ownership group alongside Davidson.

The club also confirmed that Bryan Finnerty had joined as an investor. Finnerty, a former professional footballer and sports entrepreneur, is managing partner of Atlantic Football Ventures. Davidson has given his first interview to the club's media team since taking over, discussing his reasons for choosing Shrewsbury, his relationships with fellow board members and his expectations for the future.

Companies House filings document the leadership changes. Davidson's appointment as a director and the termination of Roland Wycherley's directorship both took effect on November 9. A filing dated November 11 records Graham's appointment, also effective November 9. The register additionally records Biscayne ST LLC's notification as a person with significant control from that date.

Friedel told the BBC that establishing stability, structure and resources for the first team and academy would come before longer-term ambitions. He wants Shrewsbury to become promotion contenders, but presented progress through the divisions as an aspiration rather than a promised outcome.

Supporters are due to hear more directly from the new chairman on November 12. In its November 11 update, Shrewsbury said Davidson would attend a press conference at the Croud Meadow the following day, with a fan forum scheduled for that evening.