Adelaide United defensive stalwart Dylan McGowan has re-signed with the reigning champions on a one-year contract extension until the end of the 2016-17 season.
McGowan, 24, played an integral role in Adelaide’s 2015-16 title winning campaign which attained the Premiers’ Plate and maiden Championship, forming a formidable partnership with Iacopo La Rocca or Jordan Elsey.
He also played every minute of the entire A-League campaign in a defence which boasted the stingiest back four in the competition.
McGowan’s contract was set to expire at the end of the month, with speculation suggesting Sydney FC were heavily linked in securing the player’s services.
However, the former Heart of Midlothian man quashed those rumours by recommitting with his hometown club.
“If I’m going to stay in Australia then I want to stay with the Champions and win more trophies,” McGowan said.
“Our boys have really worked hard over the last few years to make a very good squad and the majority are still here – if I’m going to stay in Australia then United’s where I want to be.
“We’re still on cloud nine after winning the league and how we did it was extra special, and I know that in years to come people will look at last season and realise how big of an achievement it was.”
Despite entrusting his allegiance to the Reds, the centre-back did not rule out the possibility of plying his trade overseas at a “higher level” in the future.
“I’m hoping to have another really good season and hopefully put myself in the shop window as I still have aspirations to play at the highest level possible. And if the right opportunity comes up, I’d have to consider it,” McGowan continued.
“But for the moment I am really happy to sign on for Adelaide United and play on the big stage as Champions.
“I think that the drive is immense once you’ve tasted success and for me, playing in front of a full stadium and seeing how much it meant to the public has just made me want that again, and now we also have the Asian Champions League to aim for.”
McGowan has also called on the fans to show their support for the upcoming season and rally behind the team.
“So to the fans, come out and support us again and really get behind the membership program because a packed stadium is such a fantastic place to play in and you saw what we can do when you came and supported us in numbers – I’m sure we can go far again,” he said.
Since moving to United in 2014, McGowan has accumulated 63 appearances in all competitions and has scored 4 goals in the process, in addition to lifting the inaugural FFA Cup.
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