Shrewsbury Town manager Gavin Cowan is riding a wave of relief and ambition after his team secured their EFL status for another season. A gritty 1-0 victory over Oldham, combined with favorable results elsewhere, guaranteed League Two safety with three games to spare, sparking celebrations at the Montgomery Waters Meadow.

"I'm on top of the world," an elated Cowan told BBC Radio Shropshire. "The players, staff, and supporters all showed what it means to be part of this club today."

The achievement is significant for a club that has endured a turbulent period. After relegation from League One last season, Shrewsbury faced the threat of back-to-back demotions, a prospect that loomed large when Cowan took charge in late January with the team just two points above the drop zone.

Off-field uncertainty, with the club remaining up for sale, only added to the pressure. But Cowan engineered a remarkable turnaround, steering the Shrews to safety with a crucial run of form that included six wins from his first nine games in charge.

Now, with safety secured, Cowan's focus has immediately shifted to the future. "Moving forward, we need to change the rhetoric that's been within the club," he stated, signaling a desire to shift from a survival mindset to one of progression. "It's going to be a big job for me in the summer."

Central to his philosophy is a non-negotiable work ethic. "I asked the players to play for the badge today," Cowan explained. "More than any tactics, as a minimum requirement you've got to run for the badge. You've got to go out on your terms."

With 25 points from his 16 games in charge, Cowan has provided a solid foundation. The challenge ahead is to build on this escape and craft a new, more ambitious narrative for Shrewsbury Town, a task that will define their upcoming campaign.