As the division nears the halfway point, Carl Magnay’s team is currently ranked fifth in the National League standings. The team is probably going to use their FA Trophy victory from the previous season to advance in their pursuit of the EFL after a frustrating circumstance that kept them from qualifying for the playoffs.
Although Gateshead has a good group that includes players like Owen Oseni, Callum Whelan, and Regan Booty, the team’s performance has started to wane, as evidenced by the fact that they have only won one of their previous five games across all competitions.
But the club has made a transfer decision that might result in a big boost in the upcoming weeks, ahead of Saturday’s trip to Braintree.
McGowan’s return is confirmed by Gateshead.
With immediate effect, Gateshead has formally recalled playmaker Will McGowan from his loan with National League North team Darlington, according to a statement posted on the team’s website.
After joining Gateshead on a free transfer during preseason, McGowan made an early impression on the National League team with his individual performances in friendlies. During the first few weeks of the season, he also made four appearances in the fifth division under former boss Rob Elliott.
Instead of keeping himself as a bench option, McGowan was loaned out to Darlington in September in an attempt to get consistent first-team minutes, and he was left to reap the rewards of the loan agreement.
What was McGowan’s performance at Darlington?
McGowan has made ten league games for Steve Watson’s team since joining them on loan in September. They are now in mid-table, well clear of the relegation zone.
McGowan averaged a goal contribution every other game while playing for the sixth-tier team, contributing two goals and three assists. Gateshead will be happy to have him back.
Will McGowan’s comeback be a “game changer”?
Averaging a goal contribution in every other game in the division below will be a major boost for the team, especially given their recent slump in results, even though McGowan is unlikely to return to Gateshead as an immediate starter.
Gateshead will probably benefit from having a creative player back in the mix who is full of faith and confidence and has demonstrated that he can deliver for his team. It may also help striker Owen Oseni in his personal quest to win the division’s Golden Boot award.
