Premier League star Jarrod Bowen steps in to help Hereford tackle pitch drainage issues

West Ham United and England international forward Jarrod Bowen has stepped in to support his former club Hereford by helping invest in a new pitch drainage system at Edgar Street.

The Bulls endured a frustrating winter, with several home fixtures postponed due to wet weather, forcing them to play matches in Redditch and Worcester as a backlog of games built up.

Fans were delighted last month when Hereford finally returned to Edgar Street for the first time since 10 January.

Now, the club say, work can begin in the off-season and be completed in time for the 2026/27 campaign, fully addressing the drainage issues.

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Fantastic opportunity

Bowen, whose uncle works as the club’s groundsman, felt it was a “fantastic opportunity” to be able to give back to the community.

“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,” the 29-year-old said.

“The planned works are set to begin in the off-season and will be completed in time for the 2026/27 season.

“The substantial period of poor weather this winter and the poor drainage issues with the pitch, which has resulted in numerous postponements, has caused the groundsman (my Uncle Ben) a serious challenge this season.

“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.

“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, but 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.

“Aye oh Hereford, Hereford aye oh!”

Grateful

Bowen started his career at Hereford United, leaving just before the club was dissolved and the phoenix side Hereford was formed to join Hull City.

He later won the UEFA Europa Conference League with West Ham and has represented England multiple times.

His gesture to the club where it all began for him was warmly welcomed by Bulls chairman Chris Ammonds, who 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, 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.”

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