Jarrod Bowen has been an ever present since his foot fracture – remember those dark January days when he was sidelined for a month? The Hammers’ captain’s leadership style is more ‘lead by example’ rather than ‘blood and guts up and at ’em’: Frequently aired (yes, sometimes by me) has been the opinion that a more vociferous, snarling persona is needed to drag the team back when times get tough.
However nobody ever doubts his commitment to the West Ham cause and brilliant contribution. Thirteen goals and ten assists this season. How Thomas Tuchel sees fit to leave him out of the England side is beyond me.
Yesterday Bowen exhibited a classy side and read the room and the occasion perfectly. Not only did he score with a stunning strike – again – and lay on James Ward-Prowse’s opener with some tenacious pressing, but at the end of the game had the presence of mind after almost 90 minutes of endless running to think of others making their last farewells.
When Aaron Cresswell got onto the pitch in the last minute – who was there to selflessly remove his captains’ armband and invest Cresswell for his last few minutes ? Bowen’s gesture was both sincere and moving to watch and shows both the respect in which ‘Cressie’ is held and the decent, classy leadership that Jarrod Bowen now provides.
Hats off to Bowen, great leadership: Just the right way to enable a Hammers true servant to end his career.
Great post Martin it was a lovely gesture from Jarrod to hand the Captain’s armband to Cress who has been a fantastic player for our club. Heartening to hear Cress talking about his pride in representing West Ham and wearing the shirt was so good to hear after years of seeing players join us for one last big contract. Good luck to him. Jarrod continues to grow as our Captain and his goals and assists this year have been the difference between staying up and relegation.
I’ve been watching West Ham for fifty plus years. Jarrod Bowen is up there as one of the best. Who are the best Captains we’ve had? Probably Bobby Moore, Billy Bonds, Alvin Martin, Nolan and Noble. I don’t think Bowen is far behind them. He isn’t a gobby captain but neither was Bobby Moore. He leads by example and by his actions. He inspires the players around him. They see a player who is giving his absolute all in every game, who never stops running and fighting for the cause and it encourages them to do the same. Thats my kind of leader. Thats the kind of person players run through brick walls for. Not the gobby bloke who shouts at his teammates telling everyone else what to do without doing anything themselves. Weve all know that type and honestly it just inspires the blame game culture that is the wirst possible thing for team spirit. No id much rather have a captain like Jarrod Bowen.
Great post mate 👍
Agree with everything you said
We would be lost without him
It’s taking me a while to warm to him as captain..I’m sure for him to get the armband during this abysmal season hasn’t been easy.
Yesterdays gesture cements him in place..Long may he keep the job.. Already on the road to Legend status…. Four goals in the last four games… Bowen again..Ole Ole….Too good for England ⚒️⚒️
So Jarrod Bowen, what a True Hammer, and a gesture to Aaron Cresswell that was fully deserved! Thanks Aaron!
Just Trust! We show Jarrod the Respect he deserves and how the Board appreciates him.
Well said Martin! As they say up at Anfield, “This Is More”. Classy Jarrod Bowen and an equally classy Aaron Cresswell have been doing our club proud.