Despite being outside of the Premier League for eight seasons now, Hull City have had their fair share of incredible talent in the Championship and League One.
The likes of Leeds United loanee Joe Gelhardt have stood out for Hull recently under the guidance of Ruben Selles as they look to avoid relegation from the Championship.
But the Tigers will look back fondly on the likes of Kamil Grosicki, Robert Snodgrass, and even Premier League giants Harry Maguire and Andy Robertson for their impact at the MKM Stadium.
Perhaps the player that stands out the most in the seasons outside of the top-flight is Jarrod Bowen, who has gone on to become a standout player at West Ham United in the Premier League.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
How Hull City poached Jarrod Bowen from Hereford United
The 28-year-old was signed in 2014 from Hereford United after Hereford were expelled from the Football Conference in June 2014, with Bowen signing on a free transfer aged just 17.
He wouldn’t break into the first-team under Steve Bruce until 2016 after impressing during pre-season. He made his debut for Hull on 23 August against Exeter City in the EFL Cup.
Of course, they had no idea what he would become as he developed after that point, but it turned out to be an inspired piece of recruitment, and one Tony Pennock can take credit for.
Speaking in a recent interview with Welsh outlet Sgorio, Pennock explained how the signing came about while he was with Hull. He said: “It was one of those fortunate ones, really.
“Luckily, Peter Beadle, who was manager of Hereford, phoned me and told me about him.
“I went to see him play that day and liked him straight away. And managed to convince Hull City initially to put a bid on the table.
“But there was lots going on at Hereford at the time. How I managed to convince Jarrod and his dad to sign for Hull City, I don’t know to this day. But Jarrod did fantastically well for Hull City, and Hull City did great out of Jarrod Bowen as well.
“He’s had a fantastic career so far. To see him play for England is massive. We have the odd message now and then; his dad more than Jarrod.
“But he’s the type of lad who, when you message him, he replies as well.
“I’m just proud to see how well he’s done and so is everyone at Hull City, who played a part in his development.”
Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images
Jarrod Bowen hits the summit after leaving Hull for West Ham
It was the 2017/18 season when Bowen rose to prominence in the EFL, having become a starting player after the club’s relegation to the second tier.
That said, he has become an incredible player with the Hammers. Bowen is now club captain and arguably their best and most crucial player, having also scored the most famous goal in their recent history for the winner in the UEFA Conference League final.
Jarrod Bowen career stats Appearances Goals Assists
Hereford United 8 1 1
Hull City 131 54 14
West Ham United 227 68 43
As of 07/03/2025
He had to cut his teeth in the Championship at first, where Bowen was one of the league’s standout players and coveted by numerous Premier League sides before joining West Ham in January 2020.
Ultimately, that is where his old side want to be again one day. However, it’s not over yet in terms of their fight to survive relegation this season and Hull have issues to address under Selles, but the early signs are positive