Jason Bowen (footballer)

Playing career

Bowen began his career at Swansea City, making his debut in the 1990–91 season under Terry Yorath after signing professional forms in July 1990. Over five seasons at The Vetch, he played 124 league games and scored 26 goals, mostly under Frank Burrows and with John Cornforth as captain. He helped Swansea win the 1994 Football League Trophy final against Huddersfield Town on penalties and finished as the club's top goalscorer in 1993–94 with 17 goals in all competitions.

While at Swansea, he progressed from Welsh schools and youth set-ups to the full international squad, earning his first cap from Mike Smith in a 2–1 win in Estonia in May 1994. In July 1995, he moved to Birmingham City for £350,000, staying three years and winning his second Welsh cap in a 7–1 defeat in the Netherlands in 1996. He had a loan spell at Southampton in September 1997 under Dave Jones, making three Premiership appearances; a permanent move fell through when clubs could not agree a fee.

Bowen then moved to Reading in December 1997 for £200,000, but he and four other players, including Andy Legg, fell out with manager Tommy Burns and were dubbed the "gang of five," forced to train with the youth side. He returned to Wales in January 1999, spending five years with Cardiff City under former Swansea manager Frank Burrows, suffering one relegation but gaining three promotions after Sam Hammam's arrival. Bowen was put on the transfer list in March 2004 and left by mutual consent the following month, having made only two league appearances in 2003–04.

He joined Newport County in July 2004, debuting on 14 August at Havant & Waterlooville, left in summer 2008, and signed for Llanelli. He also played for Cardiff City in the 2008 Screwfix Western Masters tournament and was named player of the tournament.

Did You Know?

• His son Jaye played for the Cardiff City under-18 squad before being released.
• On 9 February 2023, it was announced that Bowen has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.