Jon Bowden

Jonathan Lee Bowden (born 21 January 1963) is an English former footballer. A midfielder, he played 405 league games in a 14-year career in the Football League.

He began his career with Oldham Athletic before he joined Port Vale for £5,000 in September 1985. He helped the "Valiants" to promotion out of the Fourth Division in 1985–86, before he was sold to Wrexham for £12,500 in April 1987. He played for Wrexham in the Welsh Cup final in 1991 before moving on to Rochdale. He was forced into retirement due to an Achilles injury and has since become a physiotherapist.

Career Bowden started his career with Oldham Athletic under the management of Joe Royle. The "Latics" finished 11th in the Second Division in 1981–82, moving up to seventh in 1982–83, before plummeting to 19th in 1983–84, one place but five points clear of relegated Derby County. He left Boundary Park after a 14th-place finish in 1984–85

He joined Port Vale for £5,000 in September 1985. He impressed greatly on his debut at number 10 in a 4–1 win at Vale Park on 14 September against Cambridge United, and was described as the 'architect of victory'; despite this great start he dislocated his elbow three minutes before the full-time whistle.

Bowden moved on to Rochdale, as the "Dale" finished eighth in 1991–92, one place and two points behind Barnet in the play-offs. They fell to 11th in 1992–93, five points outside the play-offs. Manager Dave Sutton then took Rochdale to a ninth-place finish in 1993–94, four points behind Carlisle United in the play-off zone. The Spotland side then dropped to 15th in 1994–95. However, Bowden's career ended after an Achilles injury.

Style of play Bowden was an energetic midfielder.

Post-retirement Since leaving the game, Bowden qualified in physiotherapy at the University of Salford, with the help of the PFA.

Career statistics

Honours Port Vale Football League Fourth Division fourth-place promotion: 1985–86

Wrexham Welsh Cup runner-up: 1991