*Written just before Gowling left for Carlisle in June 2008, I felt like a curse, because Kevin Bond, who also talked to me, left AFCB shortly after as well.
However, Josh has now ended up at League One Gillingham, and Bond as Assistant manager at Tottenham, so perhaps it wasn’t such a bad curse. A happy curse, if there is such a thing.
Bournemouth fans I talk to don’t seem to have fond memories of Gowling, but when he let me interview him he seemed like a thoroughly nice chap. If my team (Bournemouth) play against him next year I will be sure to give a cheer when his name is called out. All the best Josh.*
Fighting back- Josh Gowling
Meeting just after training for our interview Josh Gowling is the pinnacle of calm. Not visibly tired after a full blooded training session, he simply smiles as he talks about Denmark, nightmare injuries and his exciting career so far with current club AFC Bournemouth.
The central defender has managed to play nearly the whole 2007-08 season, but an injury last year has only added to the disappointments in his career so far.
The first being when he was released by West Bromwich Albion in 2003, a side now in the Premiership, Gowling could have decided to sign for a Championship club at the very least.
Instead he baffled everyone by signing for Danish Division one side Ølstykke, playing unknown (in England at least) teams like Frem and Hellerup. Unfortunately this experience was just another disappointment and after only managing to play over ten games, Gowling soon became disillusioned with life overseas and came back to England and was snapped up by AFC Bournemouth.
It is thought by many around Bournemouth that Gowling was only too glad to leave Denmark, but the player himself sees things differently ‘I still would have gone, because it was a good experience for me to branch out and see a different style of football and culture, even if didn’t have the best time out there.’
His frustrating Danish experience still managed to revitalise his passion for football, as AFC Bournemouth’s press officer Jon Sharkey could testify. ‘I honestly think Gowling came back even stronger from that experience. I think the fact he has played consistently well this season for us (AFC Bournemouth) after last season’s injury proves that.’
Even though Bournemouth were further down the league ladder than West Brom, Gowling’s friendly nature helped him to experience a good first impression of the southern club. ‘I thought it was a really friendly club when I first came here on a trial basis, the players, staff and fans were all welcoming and really made me feel at home.’
After playing for Bournemouth on trial for several pre season friendlies, and impressing in a draw with Everton, Gowling was signed on a one year contract.
Continuing this good form to the beginning of the 2005-2006 season, Gowling then suffered the greatest disappointment of his career. After playing not even twenty seconds of an away game, against Brentford, Gowling was victim of a terrible tackle which put him out for the rest of the season, with his knee ligaments badly damaged.
When talking to Gowling about the injury it is clear that it still haunts him, because when he is asked about what he would try and change in his career he says, without hesitation, ‘all the many injuries I’ve had, no question, especially last seasons.’ Although only 23 it is clear that Gowling has matured as a person and player through his disappointments. This is obvious when he sadly, but philosophically says ‘the fact that I’ve been able to keep fit and play nearly all of this season is probably my proudest and most treasured moment of my football career so far.’
Recovering from the injury in time for the 2006-2007 campaign many fans were expecting Gowling to reassert his position in the team with his usual calm and decisive play. Unfortunately Gowling came back into a team that was in a poor run of form, and were facing relegation. An example of the team’s inadequacies was in the FA Cup game against Barrow, where the side from the Conference North almost beat Gowling and his team. Although Bournemouth progressed internet criticism was still scathing of the side, with Gowling receiving some harsh words. The unofficial Cherries Mad side remarked that ‘Gowling allows even non-League players to get goal side of him too easily.' A 4-1 home defeat to Southend followed, bringing more abuse, describing Gowling’s play as 'car crash defending,' and labeling him as a 'Titus Bramble wannabee.'
Talking to current Bournemouth manager Kevin Bond, even he admitted that Gowling’s game could easily be improved. ‘Josh just needs to concentrate harder and has to treat training as just as important as the games themselves.’
This online abuse doesn’t get to Gowling though, and for a very simple reason. ‘I don’t read about us online, or read our match reports, even if the team or my performances have been good.’
Local Bournemouth sports writer, Neil Perrett, who has covered the clubs progress for years, said that ‘I’m not surprised that Josh doesn’t listen to the critics, as he knows himself that he has room for improvement, and because of that he’s become a popular player with the fans.’
Apart from his sometimes inconsistent game, nobody seems to have a bad word to say about Gowling. When asked what he thought of Gowling away from the pitch Kevin Bond’s tone changed, and smiling he said ‘he really is a good guy, he’s got an answer to anything, and he’s always there when the going gets tough.’
That ability to fight back was proven at the end of last season as Gowling recovered his form, as Bournemouth went on a run of seven games unbeaten and were only relegated on the last game of the season.
Despite the disappointment of relegation there was still pride from the supporters for the team and Gowling. Life long Bournemouth supporter Luke Frater agreed, saying that ‘He could have laid down and given up, but the way he and the team fought for survival. He can definitely play at a higher level, but I hope he stays.’
When asked about his future Gowling laughed, and bravely said ‘I would love to play in the Premiership, even if it was for just one match!’ After a little silence he added somewhat quietly, ‘if I’m completely honest I don’t know, I just want to play at the highest level possible.’
It’s this quiet confidence that could only help Gowling move upwards through the English leagues. If he can avoid the injuries that have dominated his career so far and play with the same spirit as at the end of Bournemouth near relegation escape, then it is only a matter of time before he is no longer fighting back but fighting forward.
(Above- The legend that is Josh Gowling)
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