Alan Gow shrugs off Swindon 'disgrace' jibe

Published on Thursday 2 September 2010 15:45

New Motherwell signing Alan Gow insists he will not lose any sleep over being branded a "disgrace" by Swindon Town after a potential move there collapsed.

Alan Gow insists he made no promises to Swindon before he agreed instead to join Motherwell Picture: SNS

Swindon director Jeremy Wray accused the 27-year-old of only being interested in money, claiming he had asked for more cash at the last minute after they thought terms had been agreed.

However, Gow hit back at those claims and is adamant he never agreed any deal with the League One club.

He said: "I heard that they had a bit of a go at me, but I never agreed to go to Swindon. I never agreed any terms. I said I would go down and have a look at the place. I went down and I wasn't happy with the deal. I came back home and that's life.

"I never agreed to go to the club in the first place so it's up to them what they want to write in the press. I'm sure it won't affect me. I'll still sleep well tonight."

Gow was also targeted by St Mirren and linked with Kilmarnock before signing an initial six-month contract with Motherwell after passing a medical yesterday.

"It's good to sort my future out and hopefully I can get back playing as soon as possible," he said. "I've just been keeping myself fit and waiting to sign somewhere eventually. I'm just looking forward to playing now.

"I spoke to a few clubs. But I've probably made a few moves that I shouldn't have and this time I wanted to take my time making a decision and find somewhere that suited me."

Gow began his career with local club Clydebank before spells with Airdrie and Falkirk eventually led to a dream move to Rangers. However, he made just two cup appearances during his spell with the Glasgow giants and went out on loan to Blackpool and Norwich City.

A move to Plymouth Argyle followed, but he was released in the summer after spending the second half of the season farmed out to Hibernian.

The move to Easter Road, where he was reunited with his manager at Falkirk John Hughes, failed to spark a revival in his career, however, and injury limited his appearances.

Despite a frustrating few years, Gow insists he has no regrets about the path his career has taken. "I started off playing for Clydebank and never really did much before, so everything I've done has been a great achievement for me," he said. "I'm never going to complain about things that didn't work out. I've no regrets, I would still make the same moves I made before."

As for his short-term deal at Motherwell, he admitted: "I don't really know where it can take me. I'll just take one step at a time. I need to come back and play and show everybody that I can be fit for a season at least.

"I've signed a six-month contract and I need to prove to the management that I can get myself into the team and stay there."

Meanwhile, veteran Motherwell defender Stephen Craigan will captain Northern Ireland tonight when he wins his 50th cap against Slovenia in a Euro 2012 qualifier.

Craigan, 33, has become a regular in Nigel Worthington's side after making his debut in February 2003.

It is the fourth successive time he has worn the armband with Aaron Hughes standing down as his team-mate reaches his milestone.

Northern Ireland manager Worthington said: "Stephen will get his 50th and I am delighted for him. I have left him and Aaron to sort out the captain's armband, but I think I know where it is going. He fully deserves it as well.

"Aaron has been outstanding when it comes to something like this. It is the sign of a good leader.

"I have known Stephen for the last three years and what you get from him is a solid performance. He is always there. He is a terrific servant, a fantastic professional and great to have around the group."