Tony Yorke is a lifelong Tiger – a Hull City fan – who has watched Jarrod Bowen develop into a fabulous prospect over his time at the club. He believes the lad can become a Hammers legend is even moved to describe him as ‘Messiesque’ with the ball at his feet in this exclusive blog for ClaretandHugh.
Right now, I can imagine most Hammers fans will be asking two significant questions about Jarrod Bowen: what can we expect from the 23-year-old and is he worth £22 million?
As a life-long fan of Hull City, and someone who has seen Bowen blossom into one of English football’s brightest prospects, I can tell you the answer is a resounding ‘yes’ to both questions.
And here is why.
Bowen isn’t the fastest winger in the game. He has pace, but it’s fair to say he won’t set any Olympic or world records. But don’t dwell on that for too long because he has a sound tactical brain, can play with either foot and is ‘Messiesque’ when he has the ball at his feet.
These attributes certainly make up for any shortcomings in the speed department.
His return rate for Hull during the last three years has been astounding for such a young player.
From starting as a product of The Tigers’ Academy set-up, Bowen seized his opportunity by the scruff of the neck, playing with a maturity beyond his years.
He rarely drifts out of a game. He is a threat throughout. And when he isn’t banging in the goals, he is do more than his bit to set up his team-mates.
So West Ham fans are in for a treat in the years ahead – providing manager, Moyes, and the Hammers coaching staff do the right thing by the youngster!
What Bowen does not need is to receive is the same kind of treatment inflicted on another former Hull man, Robert Snodgrass.
Snodgrass was on fire during his time at the KCOM Stadium. But the West Ham boss of the day, Slaven Bilic, didn’t display much confidence in the Scotland wide man. As fans, you will know what happened to Snodders.
Bowen must be allowed to develop at West Ham if you are to see the best out of him. And he must be allowed to flourish in his preferred position, which is somewhere near the right wing.
If you give him a bit of time, and allow him to gain his feet in the big league, you will not be disappointed. This is a kid who rises to the big occasions and loves a challenge.
With the right kind of man-management, he can truly be one of your best-ever players, a name that sits comfortably with the likes, of Bonds, Brooking, Devonshire, Dicks and, dare I say it, Mooro.
No, I am not in dreamland. I am deadly serious! Bowen really does have that kind of potential.
I have watched most of his home matches from my seat in the KCOM’s West Stand. And when he was on the ball, the stadium came alive.
So treat him kindly, West Ham.
We have let our crown jewel go reluctantly, through financial necessity. But even so, many Tigers fans want to see the lad do well ‘down sarf’. Allow him a month, or two to get up-to-speed with life in the fast lane.
If you can do that, not only will he help you stave off any fears of relegation, he will quickly become the first name on your team sheet for years to come.
He won’t be here long enough to become a legend pal. Unless he is happy to play championship football for a few seasons in front of a half empty stadium. Because sadly that’s were he will end up in late May.
Sounds encouraging. Let’s hope he doesn’t crumble under the pressure. One thing running rings around Championship players another to do that in the heat of a Premier league relegation scrap in front of 60,000 tense fans.
WOW!!!! That has cheered me up!!!! He HAS to be better than Haller, He showed more passion and heart waving to the crowd than Haller did in the match. Thank you Tony for giving me HOPE!!!
Will be bloody hard to do sat on the bench for 79 minutes.
A much better signing than I was expecting cos of all the gab about how much DM doesn’t spend in the Jan window. Let’s hope ‘Messiesque’ comes about. Tho Snoddy could be his mentor it may also be that they might vie for the same position. Might be good to see Bowen out wide and Snoddy playing down the inside flank where he can get some beauty left foot shots on goal as has been successfull so far. Don’t think the city game will be his first imo. Better in at the deepend at Anfield.
Am concerned there will be a language barrier. Can never understand what people from Hull are saying. 😉
He looks good, though Snoddy prefers to play from the right. Many of us were dumbfounded when he was sent to AV. Snoddy will make a great mentor!
Looking forward to Bowen’s debut.
Thanks for the great insights, he looks like he has the attitude we West Ham fans like, puts it in every week and makes things happen, also looks like he has that slightly arrogant swagger all great players have, can’t wait to watch him play !!!
Thanks for the low down Tony & really hope it works out for him at West Ham. If he has a good work ethic & is prepared to work hard for the team, then the fans will get behind him 100% & the odd goal would go down a treat. If by the skin of our teeth we manage to stay in the league this season, would hope he is the type of player that can help us push on & finish a lot higher up the league next season. I get sick to death or reading in the press that West Ham fans have unrealistic expectations, as from all the ones I know would be happy with a decent cup run every now & again, while pushing for a European place. I think we have acquired too many lazy/confidence players in the last couple of years, but I’m sure he will be just fine though & as another 1 of your ex players is arguably our best player at the minute, so sure will help him settle in. Good luck for the rest of the season Tony.