Cadwallader joined home town club Shrewsbury at the age of 11

Ex-Shrewsbury Town defender Gavin Cadwallader has targeted a return to the professional game as a coach.

The 24-year-old was released by former boss Gary Peters in 2007 and has since been playing part-time in Wales as well as working as a youth coach at Town.

"Being let go was heartbreaking, the dream seemed over. I missed having someone at the club to talk more about it," he told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"Youth coaching has made me happy again and I think I can make as a coach."

Cadwallader attracted the interest of Aston Villa before joining Shrewsbury at the age of 11 and he worked his way up to be selected for the club's first Centre of Excellence group at 16.

The dream isn't over and if I can't make it as a pro then perhaps I can make it in the coaching world Gavin Cadwallader

"That was a massive experience, playing football as well as moving away from home for the first time," he said.

"And when the manager Gary Peters called me on for my debut at Carlisle [in February 2006] I thought 'this is it.'

"But looking back, he didn't really speak to me much, and I don't think I was ever in his plans.

"When I was released I can remember going to the training ground for the last time to say goodbye to the lads, and it was heart-breaking.

"Being a professional footballer was what I'd always wanted to do, and I thought my dream had come to an end."

Cadwallader has since bounced back playing in the Welsh Premier League for Aberystwyth and now Newtown.

"I'm happy again," he said. "I'm enjoying playing again, and I'm really enjoying my youth coaching which, ironically, is back at Shrewsbury.

"The dream isn't over and if I can't make it as a pro then perhaps I can make it in the coaching world."

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