Harrogate sign midfielder McGowan and forward McGuckin

Harrogate Town have brought in midfielder Will McGowan from National League rivals Gateshead and Rotherham United striker Ciaran McGuckin as their second and third summer signings.

McGowan, 23, who joins for an undisclosed fee, has agreed a two-year deal with Harrogate and arrives after spending the past two seasons on loan at Darlington in the National League North.

"This feels like the right step for me now and my career," McGowan told the Harrogate website., external

"It's a step up in level to what I think is a great club and a perfect opportunity for me to prove myself."

McGuckin, 22, arrives in a permanent deal from Rotherham where he had come through the ranks and played 13 times.

But he does have National League experience from loan spells at Yeovil Town and Eastleigh in the last two seasons.

"I'm really grateful for my time at Rotherham, they brought me in as a youngster and made me the man I am today, but I'm fitter, hungrier and ready to go now," he told his new club's website, external.

Harrogate are rebuilding after their six-year spell in the English Football League ended in relegation last month and they feel McGowan can add goals to their side.

Head of player recruitment Lloyd Kerry said: "He's a really creative player and we think he'll suit what we're about. We need to add goals and creative players to the squad, so he ticks a lot of boxes.

"He looks after the ball very well, while his set-piece deliveries stand out and there's a lot of exciting attributes to his game."