Mark Bowen

Tottenham Hotspur

Bowen joined Tottenham Hotspur as an apprentice in 1980, signing his first professional contract in December 1981. He made 21 first-team appearances in all competitions and was part of Tottenham's squad during their 1984 UEFA Cup-winning campaign.

Norwich City

In the summer of 1987, Norwich City manager Ken Brown signed Bowen from Tottenham Hotspur for £90,000. Bowen made his debut for the Canaries on 19 August 1987 in a league match against Southampton at Carrow Road. He scored his first goal for Norwich City against West Ham United on New Year's Day 1988 in a 4–1 win at home in the first division. Bowen initially played on the left of midfield before establishing himself as Norwich's first-choice left-back. In the 1989–90 season he finished as the team's joint top league goalscorer. That season, he also collected the Barry Butler Memorial Trophy when the supporters voted him Norwich City player of the year. On 8 April 1989, Bowen was involved in an unusual incident in a match against Coventry City at Highfield Road. Goalkeeper Bryan Gunn was sent off for arguing with the referee after he had awarded Coventry a penalty kick. Bowen went in goal to replace him, only for Coventry's specialist penalty taker Brian Kilcline to miss the spot-kick by putting it wide. Coventry won 2–1. Bowen was chosen to represent the Barclays Division One representative side v Italy Serie A in Naples in January 1991. Italy Serie A won 3-0 with goals from Van…

Bowen made his senior debut for Wales on 10 May 1986, aged 22, in a 2–0 friendly defeat to Canada in North America. His final Wales appearance came 11 years later on 11 February 1997 in a goalless friendly draw with the Republic of Ireland at Cardiff Arms Park. He was capped 41 times as a full international for Wales, scoring three goals.

Reading

On 27 March 2019, Bowen was hired as a technical consultant for Reading. He was announced as the club's sporting director on 21 August, and succeeded José Gomes as manager on 14 October. Prior to being appointed manager he had been tasked with drawing up a shortlist of candidates for the job he eventually was offered. On 17 January 2020, Bowen extended his contract until the end of the 2020–2021 season. Bowen took Reading from 23rd in the Championship table to 14th. On 29 August 2020, Bowen was replaced as manager by Veljko Paunović, and despite being offered a new role by the club as sport director, his departure from Reading was confirmed on 31 August 2020. Bowen returned to Reading in May 2022 as head of football operations and left in September 2024.

Forest Green Rovers

In June 2025, Bowen joined National League side Forest Green Rovers as Director of Football.

Early coaching roles

Bowen began his coaching career while at Reading, when Wales manager Mark Hughes appointed him as an assistant manager. He later joined former Norwich teammate Steve Bruce's coaching staff at Crystal Palace and Birmingham City. In 2002 Birmingham won promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs, defeating Norwich on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regular time. Bowen remained at Birmingham for two more years taking them to 10th position in the Premier League before leaving in the summer of 2004. Bowen returned to the Wales coaching staff in August 2004. The move caused some controversy as Hughes appointed Bowen without the knowledge of the Football Association of Wales. Bowen obtained the UEFA Pro Licence in 2004 as part of the first course held in England.

Assistant managerial work

Blackburn Rovers

After Hughes was appointed Blackburn Rovers manager in September 2004, Bowen joined him as assistant manager. Whilst at Blackburn, Bowen was linked with the managerial vacancy at West Brom, Norwich City and Swansea City.

Manchester City

In June 2008, Bowen followed Hughes to Manchester City as assistant manager, and left the club with him in December 2009 with club sitting 3rd in Premier League and in semi final of League Cup. Hughes and Bowen were sacked in December 2009, sar sixth in the league with only two wins. The new owners Abu Dhabi United Group replaced Hughes with Roberto Mancini.

Fulham and QPR…