Ryan_McGowan

Ryan McGowan

Ryan McGowan

Australian association football player


Ryan James McGowan (born 15 August 1989) is an Australian footballer who plays as a defender for St Johnstone.

Quick Facts Personal information, Full name ...

He has previously played for Para Hills Knights, Heart of Midlothian, Shandong Luneng Taishan, Dundee United, Henan Jianye, Guizhou Zhicheng, Al-Sharjah, Bradford City, Sydney FC and Kuwait SC, with loan spells at Ayr United, Partick Thistle and Dundee.

McGowan has represented Australia at under-17, under-20, under-23 and at senior levels. McGowan has been officially designated as Socceroo #546 (2012).

Club career

Heart of Midlothian

McGowan began his career at Para Hills Knights[3] and was part of the South Australian Sports Institute,[4] before moving to Scottish Premier League club Hearts in 2006 and was promoted to the first-team in 2008.[3] He was the captain of Hearts' under 19 squad[3] before making his SPL debut as substitute on 13 May that year in the final league match of the 2007–08 season against Gretna.[5] Shortly after he signed a five-year contract with the club.[3]

After just the one first team appearance he was sent out on loan to Ayr United in October 2009.[6] His debut for Ayr came on 14 October, when he scored one of the goals in a 2–2 draw at home to Dundee.[7] In January 2010, the loan was extended until the end of the season.[8] In total, he made 30 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal for Ayr.[9]

On his return under new manager Jim Jefferies he played as a substitute against Hamilton on 21 August 2010,[10] and against Celtic in September.[11] On 15 February 2011, he joined First Division team Partick Thistle on a three-month loan deal[12] and made his debut the same night.[13] In all he made eight appearances before returning to Hearts at the start of April.[14] After returning from his loan at Partick, McGowan made six more appearances for Hearts that season,[15] with his first start for Hearts coming on 7 May 2011 against Rangers[16]

On 23 July 2011, he started the 2011–12 season with a Sky Sports 'Man of the Match' performance against Rangers at Ibrox.[17] He began to establish himself as a member of the first team and played in the Europa League qualifiers against Paks[18][19] and in the second leg against Tottenham at White Hart Lane, where Hearts drew 0–0 (losing 5–0 on aggregate).[20] McGowan scored his first goal for Hearts in an Edinburgh derby on 2 January.[21] Later in the same game he headbutted Ivan Sproule in the stomach, which the referee viewed and took no action, however the SFA compliance officer opened an investigation.[22] The compliance officer offered a two match ban.[23] Hearts denied it was violent conduct but accepted the ban offered.[24] The 2011–12 SPL season was a good one for McGowan, scoring 3 goals – including one in the 2012 Scottish Cup Final victory against Hibs – and winning the Hearts Young Player of the Year award.[25]

Ahead of the last day of summer transfer window, Rangers made a bid for Hearts duo McGowan and David Templeton worth combined £1.3m valuation for the duo but the move rejected.[26] Templeton went on to join Rangers but McGowan stayed, explaining that he needs to keep his international career status alive.[27] On 2 January 2013, it was announced that Hearts had accepted a bid of around £400,000 from Chinese side Shandong Luneng Taishan.[28] In all, McGowan made 73 appearances for the club.[29]

Shandong Luneng Taishan

On 7 January 2013, McGowan signed a two-year contract with Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng Taishan.[30] He made his Chinese Super League debut for Shandong Luneng Taishan on 9 March 2013 against Dalian Aerbin.[31] In his last match for Shandong, he scored the winning goal in the injury time against Jiangsu Sainty in the second leg of 2014 Chinese FA Cup final.[32] However, Shandong Luneng decided not to extend his contract at the end of 2014 season.

Dundee United

On 23 January 2015, McGowan moved back to Scotland, signing an 18-month contract with Dundee United.[33] He made his debut on 31 January 2015, as Dundee United beat Aberdeen 2–1 in the semi-final of the Scottish League Cup at Hampden Park.[34]

Henan Jianye

McGowan returned to China on 21 January 2016 after he was transferred from Dundee United to Henan Jianye. The transfer fee was reported to be approximately £350,000.[35] He made his debut by scoring an own goal as Shanghai SIPG beat Henan Jianye 5–0. On 27 January 2017, McGowan was released by Henan Jianye.[36]

Guizhou Hengfeng Zhicheng

One month after leaving Henan Jianye, McGowan joined newly promoted Chinese Super League club Guizhou Hengfeng Zhicheng.[37] On 3 March 2017, he made his debut for Guizhou in a 1–1 home draw against Liaoning FC.[38]

Al-Sharjah

On 21 August 2017, McGowan joined UAE Arabian Gulf League side Al-Sharjah.[39]

Bradford City

On 26 January 2018, Ryan joined EFL League One side Bradford City from Al-Sharjah for an undisclosed fee.[40]

In January 2019 he was linked with a departure from the club, and a return to Scottish football with Dundee.[41] Later that month he moved on loan to Dundee.[42]

In May 2019, following Bradford City's relegation to League Two, it was announced that he would leave the club upon the expiry of his contract on 30 June 2019, one of 11 players to be released.[43]

Sydney FC

On 3 July 2019, McGowan signed a two-year contract with A-League club Sydney FC, while his brother Dylan earlier joining their derby rivals Western Sydney Wanderers.[44]

On 3 July 2021, Sydney FC announced that McGowan was leaving the club, having agreed to terms with an overseas club.[45]

Kuwait SC

On 7 July 2021, McGowan signed with Kuwait Premier League club Kuwait SC.[46]

St Johnstone

McGowan returned to Scottish football in July 2022, signing for St Johnstone.[47] He would score his first goal for the Saintees on 24 May 2023, a last-minute equaliser against Ross County.[48]

International career

McGowan with Olyroos in 2011

McGowan was part of the Australia team that qualified for the AFC Youth Championship 2008 in November 2007.[49] McGowan was selected for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt; his brother and teammate Dylan McGowan, was not selected.[50]

McGowan started in the first match for the Young Socceroos in the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup, and received a yellow and a straight red against the Czech Republic for a studs up challenge which resulted in a penalty.[51] He received his first call-up to the Australia senior squad in August 2012, when he was selected for the friendly match against Scotland,[52] making his debut as a late substitute replacing Sasa Ognenovski.[53] McGowan was booed by some sections of the home support due to his Hearts connections,[54] with the game being played at Easter Road.[55]

He was named in Australia's 2014 FIFA World Cup squad and provided the assist to Tim Cahill's goal in Australia 3–2 loss to the Netherlands.

Family and personal life

His parents emigrated to Australia in 1980, and McGowan was born in Adelaide[56] into a Scottish family from Glasgow.[3] His brother Dylan[57] currently plays for Hamilton Academical.[44]

Career statistics

Club

As of 13 April 2024[58]
More information Club, Season ...

International

As of match played 3 June 2021
More information Australia, Year ...

Honours

Hearts

Shandong Luneng Taishan

Sydney

Australia U-20

Individual

  • Chinese FA Cup Most Valuable Player: 2014[62]

Notes

  1. Appearance(s) in Scottish Challenge Cup

References

  1. "FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017: List of Players: Australia" (PDF). FIFA. 2 July 2017. p. 1. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 December 2017.
  2. "Ryan McGowan". Socceroos.com.au. Football Federation Australia. Archived from the original on 18 March 2016. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
  3. "Hearts Profile". Heart of Midlothian F.C. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
  4. "McGowan makes debut as Hearts romp to victory". tribalfootball.com. Tribal Football. 22 August 2010. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  5. "Gretna vs Hearts". Heart of Midlothian F.C. 13 May 2008. Archived from the original on 24 September 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
  6. "Hearts youngster McGowan joins Ayr United on loan". tribalfootball.com. Retrieved 14 November 2009.
  7. "Loan deals extended". Heart of Midlothian F.C. 1 January 2011. Archived from the original on 24 September 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
  8. "Ayr United Profile". Ayr United. Archived from the original on 29 September 2011. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
  9. "Hamilton 0 – 4 Hearts". BBC Sport. BBC. 21 August 2010. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
  10. "Celtic 3 – 0 Hearts". BBC Sport. BBC. 11 September 2010. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
  11. "Hearts youngster Ryan moves to Firhill". Scottish television. 15 February 2011. Archived from the original on 15 July 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
  12. "Cowdenbeath 1–1 Partick Thistle". BBC Sport. BBC. 15 February 2011. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
  13. "Ryan McGowan returns to Hearts from Partick". The Scotsman. Scotsman Publication. 1 April 2011. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
  14. "Games played by Ryan McGowan in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
  15. "Rangers 4 – 0 Hearts". BBC Sport. BBC. 7 May 2011. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
  16. "Rangers 1 – 1 Hearts". BSkyB. 23 July 2011. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
  17. "Paksi 1 - 1 Hearts". BBC Sport. BBC. 28 July 2011. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
  18. "Hearts 4 – 1 Paks (agg 5 – 2)". BBC Sport. BBC. 3 August 2011. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
  19. "Tottenham 0 – 0 Hearts (agg 5 – 0)". BBC Sport. BBC. 25 August 2011. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
  20. "Hibernian 1 – 3 Hearts". BBC Sport. BBC. 2 January 2012. Retrieved 3 January 2012.
  21. "Scottish FA to look at incident involving Ryan McGowan of Hearts". BBC Sport. BBC. 3 January 2012. Retrieved 3 January 2012.
  22. "Ryan McGowan faces two-match suspension". BBC Sport. BBC. 5 January 2012. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
  23. "Ryan receives two match ban". Heart of Midlothian F.C. 6 January 2012. Archived from the original on 8 January 2012. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
  24. "Young Player of the Year votes are in". Hearts FC. 7 April 2012. Archived from the original on 10 April 2012. Retrieved 7 April 2012.
  25. "Rangers fail in bid for Hearts pair Ryan McGowan and David Templeton". Sports STV. 30 August 2012. Archived from the original on 5 February 2016. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  26. "Hearts star Ryan McGowan reveals why he snubbed move to Rangers". Daily Record. Glasgow. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  27. "Hearts' Ryan McGowan to discuss Shandong Luneng Taisha move". BBC Sport. BBC. 2 January 2013. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  28. "Soccerway Stats". Soccerway. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
  29. "Two-year Chinese contract for Hearts hero Ryan McGowan". The Scotsman. Edinburgh Evening News. 7 January 2013. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  30. "Shandong Luneng Vs. Dalian Aerbin 1 – 0". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 8 April 2016.
  31. "AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONALIST SIGNS ON". dufc.co. Dundee United F.C. 23 January 2015. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  32. Wilson, Richard (31 January 2015). "Dundee United 2-1 Aberdeen". BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  33. Fowler, Craig (21 January 2016). "Ryan McGowan leaves Dundee United for China return". Edinburgh Evening News. Archived from the original on 10 March 2016. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  34. 麦克格文宣布离开建业:难忘梦幻一年 想念你们. sina.com.cn (in Chinese). 27 January 2017. Retrieved 27 January 2017.
  35. Somerford, Ben (24 February 2017). "McGowan finds new home". FourFourTwo. Archived from the original on 21 April 2017. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
  36. 中超-石笑天染红耶拉维奇点杀 贵州主场1-1辽足 (in Chinese). sports.sina.com. 3 March 2017. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  37. "UAE club sign the wrong McGowan brother". Fourfourtwo. Retrieved 9 October 2017.
  38. "Dundee eye Bantams defender McGowan". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  39. "McGOWAN IN DUNDEE LOAN SWITCH". bradfordcityfc.co.uk. 31 January 2019. Retrieved 31 January 2019.
  40. Simon Parker (7 May 2019). "Bradford City announce retained list". Telegraph & Argus. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
  41. "Qantas Young Socceroos downed by Korea Republic". Footballaustralia.com.au. 15 November 2007. Archived from the original on 11 October 2012. Retrieved 14 November 2009.
  42. "Young Socceroos U20 World Cup Squad Revealed". Au.fourfourtwo.com. 8 September 2009. Archived from the original on 30 September 2012. Retrieved 14 November 2009.
  43. "CZECH REPUBLIC U20 VS. AUSTRALIA U20 2 – 1". Soccerway. 27 September 2009. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
  44. "Socceroos call-up Jambos ace McGowan for Scotland clash". Daily Record. Glasgow. 8 August 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  45. "Scotland 3–1". BBC Sport. BBC. 15 August 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  46. "OzFootball profile". Australian Player Database. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
  47. Ryan McGowan at Soccerbase
  48. Single source here, if player is inactive. If player has not retired, move source next to "Updated" template.
  49. "足协杯-麦克格文压哨绝杀 鲁能5-4舜天夺冠". Sports.sina.com.cn. 22 November 2014. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
  50. "2014足协杯冠军含金量最足 青岛海牛成黑马代表". Archived from the original on 5 December 2014. Retrieved 9 April 2020.

Share this article:

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Ryan_McGowan, and is written by contributors. Text is available under a CC BY-SA 4.0 International License; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.