Ex Barnsley and Limerick FC striker, Jeff McGowan has signed for Galway Utd.
He has been snapped up by The Tribesmen alongside 24 year old right back Andrew Peters of Mayo ahead of the 2019 SSE Airtricity League First Division season. In 2015, Jeff moved to Barnsley having put pen to paper on a two year deal with the South Yorkshire club, lining out at youths level
On his return to Ireland, the twenty year old played for Newmarket Celtic before agreeing a deal with Limerick FC last February. While there, he made four appearances for The Super Blues but injury cut his season short. He also spent a period trialling for Dundalk FC who were managed at the time by Stephen Kenny, he has since taken the reigns as Ireland U21 boss.
Commenting on his move, the Bunratty attacker said, “My main aim for this year is to show everyone what I can do on the pitch and I definitely think this is the right club for me to do that at. I play up top, but I’m more than happy to play anywhere across the front. As long as I’m playing and being involved, that’s the main thing. I know a few of the lads up here and they’ve all been brilliant to me, hopefully we will gel together this year and do well. Everyone wants to push forward and that comes from Alan and all the coaching staff. Everyone around the club wants to shove on in 2019.”
Alan Murphy was appointed to take charge of Galway Utd in July. He outlined the qualities the Clare striker will bring to their outfit. “Jeff is really dedicated and has a huge ambition to further his career and is another perfect fit”. Murphy added, “He has been training with us for a number of months and has really displayed his talents. In terms of his flexibility alone, he can play in numerous positions in the final third. Speaking to Stephen Kenny about his time on trial there, it was probably just a case of Dundalk being a bit further ahead in their development. Stephen had good things to say about Jeff and believes he has potential. It’s always difficult for a player coming back from England at a young age, but I really believe that Jeff needs somebody to get the best out of him and to have confidence in him.”