- West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen has made a donation to his former side, Hereford
- The money will be used for a new drainage system
- Hereford have had to play some home games elsewhere this season
West Ham United may have their own woes this season but it does not stop their players from being able to help out off the pitch. Jarrod Bowen, the club’s captain, has been with the club since 2020, having played in the EFL to get an opportunity in the Premier League.
Whilst the EFL would be where the now 29-year-old first made his name, it was in non-league that Bowen was given his first taste of professional football.
Hereford United were the team to give the West Ham captain a chance. The winger would make eight appearances for the club, scoring one goal. As Hereford suffered financial problems, being expelled from what is now the National League, Bowen would be picked up by Hull City, beginning his journey to the Irons.
Whilst the incarnation that Bowen played for is now gone, Hereford FC have taken their place, currently playing in the National League North.
West Ham captain giving back
Now, the West Ham captain has been able to give back to the phoenix club, helping them pay for a much-needed new drainage system at the club.
Wet weather has plagued the club all season, meaning the team have had to play certain home games in Redditch and Worcester to avoid forfeiting fixtures.
Bowen, who signed for Hereford back in 2014 and whose uncle is the groundman, said he hoped the donation was a way of “giving back” and that home games could return consistently.
The club’s chairman thanked Bowen, saying it has already made a massive difference to the team’s atmosphere, even before they have put the money to use.
In a statement released on the club’s website, the Hammers captain said how important it was for him to help out.
“The substantial period of poor weather this winter and the poor drainage issues with the pitch which has resulted in numerous postponements has caused the groundsman (my Uncle Ben) this season a serious challenge,” Bowen’s statement read.
“Not only is it important for Hereford FC to be playing consistent home games on a well maintained surface at Edgar Street but for me it’s also vitally important for the youth of Herefordshire to play their traditional finals on the pitch.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have played on the pitch as a junior in these finals and as a senior player at the very start of my professional career, but it was those moments as a child that still hold fondest memories for me and the family.
“I feel it’s a fantastic opportunity for myself to give something back to not only the club but the community that gave me an opportunity within football.”
