Josh signs in, but is there more to come?
Sunderland have made former QPR midfielder Josh Scowen their third January signing - but who is the new recruit?
The Black Cats made sealing reinforcements in the engine room a priority this month, and Phil Parkinson has new secured his longawaited breakthrough having clinched a deal for Scowen.
But what do we know about the ex-QPR man? Here’s an indepth look at the man who topped Parkinson’s wishlist: Key Details: Age: 26. Position: Central Midfielder. Nationality: English. Previous clubs: Wycombe Wanderers, Barnsley, QPR What type of player is he?
Scowen is versatile in the engine room, having played in centralandwiderolesthroughout his career. While not a prolific goalscorer, Scowen has been known to pop-up with plenty of assists - and, speakingearlierthisyear,feelsarole where he has the licence to
break forward is ideal for him.
“It’s been nice to play in what I feel is my best position – somewhere where I can get forward and defend, too,” he said. “I feel that I’m a box-tobox midfielder.”
Previous managers have also spoken of Scowen’s technical quality, high fitness levels and willingness to adapt to different roles and responsibilities. Where has his career taken him?
Scowen began his career at WycombeWanderers,playing
alongside Luke O’Nien as the Chairboysstavedoffrelegation to the National League and began to establish themselves in the EFL. He was offered a new three-year deal by Wycombe, butlefttheclubforBarnsleyas his existing contract entered its final six months.
The midfielder caught the eye for the Tykes, too, helping the side to win promotion to theChampionshipbeforesigning for QPR. Recent years have seen Scowen slip down the pecking order - hence his willingness to head to Wearside.
What do we know about Sunderland’s deal for Scowen?
The Black Cats are keen to add a midfielder to their ranks this month, with a number of targets considered.
Greg Docherty, Oliver Norburn and Richie Smallwood were all mentioned as
potentialrecruits -butScowen is the man Phil Parkinson has opted for.
His move to the Stadium of Lightisapermanentone,after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee. Scowen’s contract length is currently unknown. Were any other clubs interested?
Yes - Phil Parkinson confirmed that there were several other clubs keen on a move for Scowen. While no other clubs have revealed their interest in the 26-year-old, there were rumoursthatformerclubBarnsley were one of his admirers this month. How has he fared this season?
Scowenstartedthe2019/20 campaign as a regular in Mark Warburton’s side, but saw his chances wain as the season progressed. Still, the midfielderhasmustered20appearancesinallcompetitionsfortheR’s thisseason,albeitthemajority came from the bench.
His last start came in the 5-1 FA Cup win over Swansea City, where Scowen also netted. Speaking earlier this season, the midfielder appreciated why he was out the side. “We’ve got a very good squad this year and I imagine things we’ll continue that way whereI’llbeinandthenmaybe on the bench,” he said, speaking to QPR’s website.
“Everyone has to fight for their place and if I’m in the team then I’ll be doing everything I can to stay in it. It’s friendlycompetitionandthere is no one in that dressing room who has a big ego.” How did he react to the move?
Speaking to safc.com, Scowen said: “I’m over the moon to be here and I can’t wait to get started. I just want to show the gaffer what I can do and get in the team, so that I canhelptheclubkeepwinning games. I feel fit and I’m raring to go.”
What did Phil Parkinson have to say?
TheSunderlandbosssaid:
“I’mdelightedtowelcomeJosh to the club. We identified him early in the window and it took a while to get the deal over the line, as we were competing with several other clubs for
his signature.
“We have been patient, and the chairman and the board have worked hard to finalise a deal this afternoon. Josh has a promotion from League One onhiscvandalotofChampionship experience.
“He can play in a number of differentrolesandhewillbring real quality to the squad, especially in that midfield area.” What have others said?
Former managers have been highly complimentary of Scowen - both as a player and a person. Upon signing the midfielder for QPR, Ian
Holloway said: “He was identified by the scouting network we’vegotinplacehereandthey told me everything I needed to knowabouthim,bothinterms of his ability as a player and his character.“He’salsogotagreat pass in his locker and I like his attitudeaswell–he’stenacious, grittyandhasarealwill-to-win, which is what we need. I want to bring players who have the right attitude – Josh fits that mould.”