Jarrod Bowen helps to rescue non-league club from ‘desperate’ stadium situation

Jarrod Bowen has donated money to his old club Hereford to help fix their pitch issues after they had to postpone multiple games.

The state of the team’s home, Edgar Street, has forced them to play at an alternative for a spell this season.

Chris Brunskill

They had been at, Sixways Stadium, the home of rugby union side Worcester Warriors since January.

Fans rejoiced at the news they can return, having last played with home advantage three months ago.

The National League North side was in a tough situation after their pitch struggled to deal with heavy rainfall.

Bowen is currently in a relegation battle with West Ham, and as their top goalscorer, he is helping them retain their top-flight status.

However, that is not stopping him from remembering his roots, as he started his career at Hereford 12 years ago.

The England international joined in 2014 and played just eight times before signing for Hull City on a free transfer after Hereford were expelled from the National League over a failure to pay their bills.

West Ham’s skipper said: “I’m delighted to announce that after lengthy and numerous discussions with club officials at Hereford FC (United), along with the founding shareholders of the club.

“I will be contributing towards much-needed maintenance on the hallowed turf at Edgar Street.

“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.

Kieran McManus

“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,

“However, 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.”

The club runs through the family as Bowen’s uncle, Ben, was a groundsman at Hereford.

They currently find themselves in the relegation zone, four points away from safety.

However, due to their postponements, they still have two games in hand to save their season.

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Club chairman Chris Ammonds thanked the Hammers star for his incredible act of kindness.

He said: “We are incredibly grateful to Jarrod for his support, and I’d also like to thank the Founding Shareholders for their contribution.

“This will make a huge difference to our club after a difficult few months dealing with pitch drainage issues that could not have been predicted and were therefore unavoidable.

“It is also very pleasing that this will have a very positive impact on junior football across Herefordshire.

“It’s something we are very keen to support as we understand how rewarding it is for the county’s youngsters to earn the chance to play at Edgar Street.”