Ally McGowan explained

Ally McGowan
Fullname:Aloysius McGowan[1]
Birth Date:22 January 1930[2]
Birth Place:Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, Scotland
Death Place:Wrexham, Wales
Position:Defender
Clubs1:Fauldhouse United
Years2:1950–1953
Clubs2:St Johnstone
Caps2:52
Goals2:0
Years3:1953–1963
Clubs3:Wrexham
Caps3:408
Goals3:2
Clubs4:Bethesda Athletic
Nationalyears1:1952
Nationalteam1:Scotland B
Nationalcaps1:1
Nationalgoals1:0

Aloysius "Ally" McGowan (22 January 1930 – 5 July 2005) was a Scottish former footballer, who played as a defender.

Career

After playing for his village's youth team, McGowan was signed to Fauldhouse United. He played there for two years before being approached by the manager of Scottish Division Two side St Johnstone to play for the team.

Whilst at St Johnstone, McGowan would play for Scotland B.

In 1953, new St Johnstone manager Johnny Pattillo wanted to reduce the number of players in the squad, so let McGowan leave to Welsh club Wrexham on a free transfer.

Whilst there, he got over 400 league appearances for Wrexham, and has the 4th most appearances by any player for Wrexham.

McGowan retired in 1963 due to ongoing problems from an ankle injury at the age of 33, after a brief spell at Bethesda Athletic.[3] After retirement, McGowan served as the Wrexham groundsman for between seven and eight years.

Personal life and death

McGowan was the brother of former Partick Thistle left-back Jimmy McGowan.[4]

McGowan died on 5 July 2005 in Wrexham.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Big Interview Red Passion says a big 'Hello' to the prince of the 1950s Wrexham side . Peter Davies . 15 March 2018.
  2. Web site: Ally McGowan . Neil Brown . 15 March 2018.
  3. Web site: The Big Interview: Peter Davies finishes his chit-chat with '50s legend Aly McGowan . Peter Davies . 15 March 2018.
  4. http://partickthistleahistory.wikifoundry.com/page/1957+-+Jimmy+McGowan My advice to Thistle