Pic: Andy Nunn
RYAN BOWMAN has become the latest Non-League star to be snapped up by Scottish Premiership outfit Motherwell.
The Gateshead striker, 24, had been a target for Well boss Mark McGhee all summer but he finally got his man on transfer deadline day.
Bowman joins fellow former Non-League players Richard Tait, Ben Heneghan, Craig Clay, Louis Moult and Jacob Blyth north of the border.
The ex-Darlington, Hereford, York and Torquay forward joined Gateshead in July 2015 and was the club’s leading scorer last term with 20 goals.
He had netted three times so far this season but the Heed will now have to do without his goals after he signed a two-year deal at Fir Park for an undisclosed fee.
“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,” Bowman told Motherwell’s website.
“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.
“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.”
Well boss Mark McGhee added: “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.”
