Centre half Josh Gowling is a speedy defender who started his football career as a trainee at West Bromwich Albion. After his release from the Baggies signed for Danish Premier Division club Herfølge Boldklub where he enjoyed two successful years and made a total of 30 appearances.

On returning to England he completed a trial with Bournemouth and agreed a one year contract with the South Coast club. Josh remained at Bournemouth from 2005 until 2008, making 83 appearances and scoring one goal. In June 2008 he signed for Carlisle United on a free transfer agreeing a two year contract. However injuries restricted him to just four appearances and he completed the 2008/09 season on loan at Hereford United.

Gowling is currently on a one month loan with the Gills with a view to agreeing a longer term deal. His height, strength and speed will be a vital advantage in Gillingham's back four as the team prepares for life in league one.

Josh made his debut in the Gills opening day win over Swindon, helping the defence keep a clean sheet in a 5-0 victory. He netted his first goal for the club a few week's later with a far post header against Wycombe Wanderers at krbs Priestfield.

His second goal, a precision header, helped the Gills to a memorable 2-1 home win over high-flying Southampton at Priestfield. Josh's debut season was also notable for a thoroughly undeserved disciplinary record of two red cards and eleven yellows.