He did not enjoy the same amount of success with Shrewsbury Town. The club were entering a rather mediocre period of their history, and were finding themselves struggling to remain in the Football League. Shrewsbury's first choice goalkeeper Paul Edwards was one of the stronger team members, and Cooksey struggled to dislodge him as first-choice keeper. His first-team debut was against Cardiff City at Ninian Park, where he gifted Cardiff their opening goal as he dropped a crossed ball, Cardiff eventually winning 3–0.