West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen has stepped in to help former club Hereford.
Bowen started his career with the club and his uncle is the groundsman at their home ground, Edgar Street.
The forward has gone on a remarkable journey since, moving to Hull City in 2014 before moving to West Ham United six years later and establishing himself as an England international.
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West Ham star Jarrod Bowen registered an assist in England's 5-0 win over Latvia
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Bowen is undoubtedly a West Ham legend, but he has not forgotten his roots.
Hereford FC owner praises Bowen for helping pay for draining system
Indeed, Bowen is to help pay for a new drainage system at Edgar Street.
Bad weather has resulted in various games being postponed this season, but Bowen is stepping in to help fund the new system.
The club even had to move venues to Sixways Stadium, where rugby union side Worcester Warriors play, before returning to their home in January.
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The work is set to be completed in time for the 2026/27 season.
A statement on Hereford’s official website from club chairman Chris Ammonds read: “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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General view before the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Liverpool FC
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Bowen, meanwhile, 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. 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!”
Hereford are four points from safety in the National League North but do have two games in hand following postponements earlier in the season.
It is a brilliant gesture to a player who has made a name for himself in stunning fashion.
Jarrod Bowen celebrates after scoring for West Ham against Brentford in the FA Cup.
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Though he only ever played a few games for Hereford, this move should make a huge impact on the club.
Here in east London, Bowen has also written his name into the history books.
The man who scored the winning goal on that night in Prague, Bowen can add to his legendary status during the final few games of the season.
West Ham need Bowen to help them avoid relegation and he has so far done his bit, scoring eight goals while registering six assists in 31 Premier League appearances thus far.
Nuno Espirito Santo will need him to step up once again if the club are to pull themselves out of the bottom three between now and the end of the campaign.
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