Mark Bowen (footballer) - Coaching and Management

Coaching and Management

Bowen began his coaching career while at Reading as Mark Hughes made him a member of his coaching staff for the Welsh national side. He then linked up with former Norwich team-mate Steve Bruce when he was manager first at Crystal Palace, then at Birmingham City. In 2002, under Bruce and Bowen's stewardship, Birmingham won promotion to the Premiership via the play-offs. Ironically, they won the final against Norwich City in a penalty shoot-out after the match had ended 1–1. Bowen remained at Birmingham for two more years before leaving in the summer of 2004.

Shortly afterwards in the autumn of 2004, Hughes made Bowen his assistant manager at Blackburn Rovers. After Nigel Worthington's sacking from Norwich City in October 2006, Bowen was the early favourite for the job, though Peter Grant was eventually appointed to the position. In June 2008 Bowen followed Hughes to Manchester City as assistant manager, and left the club with him in December 2009. In August 2010 he again followed Hughes, to become Fulham assistant manager. Following Hughes departure in June 2011, Bowen remained with Fulham but removed from assistant manager duties and began to work with the Academy.