The Excuse and Dingle are reporting that we are interested in Bournemouth defender Josh Gowling. Coventry born Gowling is a 6 foot 3 inch defender, who began his career as a trainee at the Albion, under the guidance of former Walsall star Richard O’Kelly, who was later Bournemouth’s assistant manager.

Following his release from Albion, he signed for Danish Premier Division club Herfølge Boldklub, (Now, where have I heard of them before?) making 17 appearances in 2003–04 and 13 appearances in 2004–05. He soon became disillusioned with life in Denmark, and returned to England.

He joined Bournemouth on a trial basis to begin with in the 2005 close season, and signed a one-year contract after impressing in various pre-season friendlies. He began the 2005–06 season in good form before rupturing his knee ligaments after about a minute’s play in the away match to Brentford – a serious injury that ruled him out for the rest of the season. Having gradually returned to full fitness, Gowling featured in over 30 league games during the 2006–2007 season.

He is often jokingly referred to by Bournemouth fans as “Rio”, due to his likeness to Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand.