Motherwell FC is tonight delighted to announce the signing of Ryan Bowman from Gateshead for an undisclosed fee.
The 6ft 2in frontman completed his deadline day move after penning a two-year deal with the Fir Parkers.
The 24-year-old bagged 38 goals in his last two seasons down south – 20 of those last season with National League outfit Gateshead and the remainder with his previous team Torquay.
The Englishman, who has been a summer-long target for manager Mark McGhee, travelled up to Fir Park late tonight to complete his medical and pen a two-year deal.
Speaking to MFC TV, the 6ft 2in forward explained that he thought today would be quiet before the call came in.
The 24-year-old said: “It’s relief really – I spoke to Mark McGhee a couple of times over the off-season and then it went a bit cold so I didn’t think anything more of it.
“It all happened this evening at 5 o’clock, I heard the bid had been put in and agreed with Gateshead and I’m just delighted it’s done.”
[pullquote]It’s a different league and a different competition so it’s a challenge but I’m just excited to get going.[/pullquote]
The deal for Bowman was able to be pushed through following the sale of Marvin Johnson – with the latters departure only being finalised this evening.
Bowman said: “I didn’t think anything was going to happen today – me and my agent were laughing before saying we’ll be having a chilled day watching the TV.
“Then a couple of clubs came in before Motherwell and I was just rushed off my feet from 5 o’clock onwards.”
But the goal-scorer felt Motherwell was the best choice for him.
He said: “It’s a different league and a different competition so it’s a challenge but I’m just excited to get going.”
The forward brings strength, pace and a source of goals to the Steelmen, and Mark McGhee admits that he was desperate to bring in the attacker for a while.
[pullquote] Needless to say I’m delighted we’ve managed to secure his signature and I look forward to working with him – he’s a very welcome addition.[/pullquote]
He said: “With the arrival of Ryan it allows us to set up in a 4-3-3 formation, which has brought great success in the past, particularly last season.
“We’ve tracked him for some time now but today’s developments have allowed us to go and get him. He’s been top scorer for his clubs over the last two seasons, he’s big, powerful, good in the air and runs in behind.
“Needless to say I’m delighted we’ve managed to secure his signature and I look forward to working with him – he’s a very welcome addition.”