Cowan (l) joined Telford from Nuneaton in 2008

Telford have released central defender Gavin Cowan, who has been snapped up by Blue Square North rivals Fleetwood.

Cowan, 28, has been one of Telford's most consistent performers, but has been let go as the Bucks begin planning for next season.

"I'm disappointed. I thought I'd be at Telford for a while, but football has ups and downs and you've got to move on," Cowan told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"Fleetwood have big ambitions - and so do I, so it's a good match."

Last week, the mid-table Bucks denied that Cowan was on the verge of leaving.

It's been a shock, and I didn't see it coming Gavin Cowan

But chairman Lee Carter said: "We have been reviewing many things with a view to not only maintaining a push for the play-offs, but also with an eye on next season.

"We held a meeting with Gavin, and in fairness to him it was far better that he be allowed to sort his future out now rather than wait until the end of the season.

"Gavin has served the club very well, and I am sure supporters will commend him for that."

Cowan, who played in the Football League for Shrewsbury between 2005 and 2007, says he had taken a pay-cut this season, but with a clause that he would get a new deal for next season if he played 30 times this term.

He said: "I was getting close to my 30 games, so it was a club decision.

"It's been a shock, and I didn't see it coming - but it's also been a huge honour playing for the club and I've enjoyed my time there greatly."

Fleetwood manager Micky Mellon told his club's website: "Gavin's probably one of the best centre half in this league, and we're delighted to get him on board."

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