This afternoon, Dundee United announced the signing of Australian international Ryan McGowan. The 6'3, Aussie comes to United after a successful two year spell in China with Shandong Leung Taishan FC, a side who finished fourth in last season's Chinese Super League.
McGowan's professional career began in South Australia where he joined the Para Hills Knights first team at the age of 17. After just 10 appearances in two years, in 2006, the defender-cum-midfielder rejected contract offers from a handful of clubs across Europe to join Heart of Midlothian.
After captaining the Jambo's under 19's side throughout the 2006-07 and 2007-08 season, McGowan made his inevitable debut in the final league match of the 07-08 season against Gretna. Continuing to impress in the reserve side and first team, shortly after his first appearance he signed a five year contract before new manager Jim Jeffries shipped him out on loan to Ayr United and Partick Thistle.
Throughout McGowan's career with the Edinburgh side, he made 73 appearance's scoring three goals in the process – one being in the 127th Scottish Cup Final in a 5-1 victory over Edinburgh rivals Hibernian.
After five successful years with Hearts, on January 2013, it was announced that the Jambos had accepted a bid of around £400,000 from Shandong Leung, where he made 46 appearances.
McGowan was part of Australia's 2014 World Cup Squad setting up Tim Cahill's goal that proved to be one of the best of the tournament. The defender currently has 12 Socceroos caps to his name since his first call-up in 2012.
United manager Jackie McNamara stated: “Ryan is a tough, strong and excellent footballer who will improve us defensively.
“He is a big lad who is strong in the air and this will impact in both defensive and attacking scenarios. He is a strong personality, which is important for me.
“I am delighted to be able to bring him to United because other clubs were after him.
“Players see our club as a great place to show off their talent and enjoy playing football.”
McGowan's professional career began in South Australia where he joined the Para Hills Knights first team at the age of 17. After just 10 appearances in two years, in 2006, the defender-cum-midfielder rejected contract offers from a handful of clubs across Europe to join Heart of Midlothian.
After captaining the Jambo's under 19's side throughout the 2006-07 and 2007-08 season, McGowan made his inevitable debut in the final league match of the 07-08 season against Gretna. Continuing to impress in the reserve side and first team, shortly after his first appearance he signed a five year contract before new manager Jim Jeffries shipped him out on loan to Ayr United and Partick Thistle.
Throughout McGowan's career with the Edinburgh side, he made 73 appearance's scoring three goals in the process – one being in the 127th Scottish Cup Final in a 5-1 victory over Edinburgh rivals Hibernian.
After five successful years with Hearts, on January 2013, it was announced that the Jambos had accepted a bid of around £400,000 from Shandong Leung, where he made 46 appearances.
McGowan was part of Australia's 2014 World Cup Squad setting up Tim Cahill's goal that proved to be one of the best of the tournament. The defender currently has 12 Socceroos caps to his name since his first call-up in 2012.
United manager Jackie McNamara stated: “Ryan is a tough, strong and excellent footballer who will improve us defensively.
“He is a big lad who is strong in the air and this will impact in both defensive and attacking scenarios. He is a strong personality, which is important for me.
“I am delighted to be able to bring him to United because other clubs were after him.
“Players see our club as a great place to show off their talent and enjoy playing football.”