Bowman opts for Fir Park move in flurry of late activity

Striker Ryan Bowman revealed that Motherwell were one of a number of clubs who approached him late on transfer deadline day – but he was keen to sample the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Motherwell acted quickly after Oxford revived their interest in Marvin Johnson to sign a player they have been tracking for several months and had a bid accepted by Vanarama National League side Gateshead.

Motherwell also brought in West Ham forward Luka Belic on loan until January, while sending 19-year-old defender Luke Watt on loan to Stranraer and ending Lee Lucas’s short-term stay at Fir Park.

Bowman, 24, said: “It’s a relief. 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. Me and my agent were laughing, 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 five o’clock onwards.

“It’s a different league and a different competition so it’s a challenge but I’m just excited to get going.”

Former Carlisle trainee Bowman scored 19 goals in each of his last two seasons – for Torquay and Gateshead – and Mcghee feels the 6ft 2in forward will bring an added dimension.

“Ryan allows us to set up in a 4-3-3 formation, which has brought great success in the past, particularly last season,” Mcghee said. “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.”

In the flurry of business prompted by Oxford’s renewed bid, Belic was the first player to come in. The 20-year-old Serbia youth international became the youngest player to play in his country’s top flight four years ago before moving to the Hammers.

Mcghee said: “Luka is a wiry forward player who can play through the middle or on the flanks. He works extremely hard, particularly without the ball and knows where the net is.”