Ryan Bowman

Ryan Michael Bowman (born 30 November 1991) is an English professional footballer who most recently played as a striker for club Cheltenham Town. In July 2025, Bowman received a three-and-a-half year ban from football after admitting to a number of betting offences that occurred over an eight year period.

Career Carlisle United Bowman was born in Carlisle, Cumbria. He started his career with hometown club Carlisle United, first being part of the Centre of Excellence before signing a Youth Training Scheme contract in 2008. He scored 22 goals in his second season at youth level to make him the top scorer for the under-18 team. He scored his first goal in the 1–0 win against Redditch United on 27 February 2010, with a volley in the fourth minute. Bowman scored two goals in 10 matches on loan with Workington before being recalled by Carlisle due to injuries. and during the summer of 2010 signed a one-year professional contract.

On 19 October 2010, Bowman rejoined Workington on a one-month loan, and finished his second spell without scoring in eight appearances.

Darlington After impressing on trial, Bowman signed for Conference Premier club Darlington on 4 August 2011 on a sixth-month contract. He made his debut for Darlington in a 1–0 home win over Braintree Town on 13 August 2011, before scoring his first two goals on 29 August in a 3–1 victory over Lincoln City. On 29 October 2011, he scored his first ever goal in the FA Cup, during a 1–1 draw in the fourth qualifying round against Hinckley United. though the club retained their registrations so they were eligible to play on a non-contract basis. Bowman ended a run of 17 league matches without a goal after he scored the opening goal in the 3–1 loss away at Alfreton Town on 18 February 2012.

Hereford United After a short trial with Hereford United, Bowman signed for the Conference Premier club on 24 July 2012 on a one-year contract. Manager Martin Foyle commented that "I just feel that's the type of player I'll have. Someone who is keen, hungry and who feels they have got a point to prove." Bowman made a scoring debut with Hereford's last goal in the 89th minute of a 4–2 win at home to Ebbsfleet United on 25 August 2012.

York City Having been offered a new contract by Hereford, Bowman signed for League Two club York City on 24 May 2013 on a two-year contract. With him being under 23 years of age, York would pay Hereford a compensation fee, which was set at £20,000 by a tribunal. Bowman made his debut as a 78th-minute substitute for Sander Puri in a 1–0 victory over Northampton Town on 3 August 2013, in the first match of 2013–14. Bowman played in both play-off matches against Fleetwood Town, entering the first as a 62nd-minute substitute for Ryan Brobbel and starting the second, although York were eliminated 1–0 on aggregate.

Gateshead Bowman signed for Torquay's National League rivals Gateshead on 17 July 2015 for an undisclosed fee.

Motherwell Bowman signed for Scottish Premiership club Motherwell on 31 August 2016 on a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee. He made his debut on 10 September 2016, as Motherwell drew 1–1 away to Ross County.

Exeter City Bowman signed for League Two club Exeter City on 2 January 2019 for an undisclosed nominal fee as a replacement for Jayden Stockley, who was expected to leave the club.

Shrewsbury Town On 17 June 2021, Bowman joined League One side Shrewsbury Town on a two-year deal, with the option of a further year. He scored his first goal for the club on 18 September in a 1–1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. On 9 October, during a League One fixture against Ipswich Town at Portman Road, Bowman was substituted after 35 minutes after experiencing palpitations. After being assessed by medical staff from both sides, he was taken to Ipswich Hospital for checks and was later discharged. On 23 October, Bowman scored a hat-trick in a 4–1 win at home to Cambridge United. In June 2022, Bowman underwent an ablation heart surgery to treat irregular rhythms.

He was released by Shrewsbury at the end of the 2023–24 season.

Career statistics