Career
He played for Arsenal in the Premier League and for Luton Town in the Football League Second Division. McGowan was initially a first-team player but an injury during the 1999–2000 season limited his appearances. He left the club on a free transfer in 2001 after a clearout by then recently employed manager Joe Kinnear.
He spent the rest of his playing career in non-League football, including spells at Horsham, Bromley (twice), Hornchurch, Braintree Town, Dulwich Hamlet (twice), Tonbridge Angels, Margate, Croydon Athletic and Redhill.