Aaron McGowan

Career Morecambe McGowan made his professional debut for Morecambe during the 2012–13 season, becoming the youngest player in the club's history on 20 April in a 2–0 defeat to Torquay United at the Globe Arena. He made two substitute appearances in League Two in the 2013–14 campaign, On 28 March 2015, McGowan scored his first professional career goal in a 1–1 draw at Exeter City. He featured eight times in the 2014–15 season. McGowan signed a contract extension two months later to keep him tied to the club until 2018. He faced competition for a first-team place from Laurence Wilson and Shaun Beeley, and featured 26 times across the 2015–16 campaign. Morecambe secured their Football League status with a point on the final day at Coventry City. He turned down a new contract at the end of this season and because he subsequently joined a Scottish club, Morecambe were not entitled to any compensation.

Hamilton Academical McGowan signed for Scottish Premiership club Hamilton Academical, managed by Martin Canning, on 25 June 2018. On 16 March 2019, he scored his first goal for the Accies to secure a 1–0 win over Heart of Midlothian and move Brian Rice's side six points clear of the relegation zone. He was named Player of the Year and Fans' Player of the Year at the end of the 2018–19 season, having scored two goals in 38 appearances. He featured 29 times in the 2019–20 season, He won the club's Player of the Year award for the second year running. He then left New Douglas Park, opting not to renew his contract as he felt undervalued.

Kilmarnock On 15 June 2020, McGowan agreed a two-year deal with Scottish Premiership club Kilmarnock following conversations with Head of Football Operations James Fowler, becoming Alex Dyer's first signing as Killie manager. However, Dyer preferred Ross Millen at right-back and McGowan requested a transfer in September, which Dyer refused to grant. He made 20 appearances in the 2020–21 campaign, his sole season at Rugby Park.

Northampton Town On 12 July 2021, McGowan signed for League Two club Northampton Town on a two-year deal. Martin Foyle, the club's Head of Recruitment, had previously tried to sign him at Motherwell. On 15 March 2022, he scored a "stunning half-volley" in a 2–1 defeat at Stevenage, earning himself a joint-share of Northampton's Goal of the Season award. This was one of his two goals from 44 appearances in the 2021–22 campaign. He signed a new two-and-a-half year contract in January 2023. On 4 March, McGowan was sent off for violent conduct against Crawley Town, though manager Jon Brady tried to appeal the subsequent suspension as he felt the referee had fallen victim to "kidology". He made 17 league appearances as Northampton secured automatic promotion at the end of the 2022–23 season.

He had to wait until 11 November for his first league start of the 2023–24 season. Earlier in the campaign, he had played in the EFL Trophy hours after the death of his father, earning praise from Brady for his "incredible strength". He said that playing so soon after his father's death was his way of dealing with grief and loss. Brady later said McGowan needed to improve his consistency to match his strong mentality. He played 28 League One games in his first season in the third tier. He played 36 times, scoring one goal. He cited family reasons for his departure. Manager Kevin Nolan explained that he wanted a move closer to his wife and newborn child in Liverpool. McGowan made 131 appearances in his four years at Sixfields. He returned to train at the club in October 2025 in order to maintain his fitness.

Tranmere Rovers On 10 October 2025, McGowan joined League Two club Tranmere Rovers on a short-term contract until January 2026. Manager Andy Crosby said the club were lucky to sign an experienced defender who lived close to the club when Rovers were struggling with injuries. He picked up an assist in his first start for Rovers, a 4–1 victory over Bristol Rovers. He picked up another assist in a draw with Milton Keynes Dons and was given the fourth-highest WhoScored rating in League Two that weekend. Once his deal expired, he extended his contract until the end of the 2025–26 season. On 17 March, he spoke of his embarrassment following a 3–0 home defeat to Harrogate Town that left the club facing a relegation battle to maintain their EFL status. He left Prenton Park when his contract expired in the summer.

Port Vale On 31 July 2026, McGowan signed a one-year deal with League Two club Port Vale, after a successful trial earlier that month.

Style of play McGowan is a versatile player who plays anywhere across the defence.

Career statistics

Honours Northampton Town EFL League Two third-place promotion: 2022–23

Individual Morecambe Player of the Year: 2017–18 Hamilton Academical Player of the Year: 2018–19, 2019–20