Jack Bowers
Encyclopedia
John William Anslow "Jack" Bowers (22 February 1908 – 4 July 1970) was an English footballer, who was twice the top scorer in the Football League and made three appearances for England
.
and, after playing for Scunthorpe works side Appleby Works, started his professional career with Scunthorpe & Lindsey United
in December 1927. Five months later, he was transferred to Derby County
, where he was to remain until 1936.
on 5 May 1928, on the same day as future England international Jack Barker
. He made his debut in a 2–1 win over Bolton Wanderers
at the Baseball Ground
on 2 February 1929 and celebrated his first appearance by scoring.
It was not until the 1930–31
season that Bowers was to become a regular selection at centre forward after the transfer of Harry Bedford
to Newcastle United
. His first match in this season came against Arsenal
, which launched Bowers on the way to breaking the club's goal-scoring record. Having sat out the first nine matches of the season, Bowers scored 37 goals in the remaining 33 matches, including four in one game against Chelsea
when the Rams beat the Londoners 6–2. He scored 15 goals in a run of six consecutive matches in January and February 1931. This magnificent spell of goal-scoring was the main reason why Derby reached sixth place and, for most of the season, were sitting on the edge of the leading pack. Bowers holds Derby County's record for the number of League goals in a season (37), although this was equalled by Ray Straw
in the Third Division North campaign of 1956–57.
The following season
, he was again Derby's top-scorer despite only scoring 25 goals, but improved on this in 1932–33
with 35 league goals, thus making him the top scorer
in the Football League First Division
as Derby finished in seventh place in the table. Bowers also contributed eight goals in the FA Cup
as Derby reached the semi-finals
where they lost to Manchester City
. This was the only round in the cup run in which Bowers failed to score, as he finished the season with a total of 43 goals from 47 matches. This remains Derby's goal-scoring record.
His form continued into the next season, when he was again top scorer
in the top flight with 34 league goals, plus three in the cup, with Derby reaching fourth place in the table.
His form for Derby brought him to the notice of the England
selectors and he was given his first international cap in the 1934 British Home Championship
against Ireland played at Windsor Park
, Belfast
on 14 October 1933. Bowers scored England's third goal in the 60th minute in a 3–0 victory. He retained his place for the next match against Wales
on 15 November, but failed to score as England went down 2–1. As this victory enabled Wales to claim the British Home Championship
title, Bowers' next match against Scotland
was to have no bearing on the destiny of the title. Bowers scored in the 85th minute as England defeated the Scots 3–0. Bower also made two appearances for the Football League.
In September 1934, a serious knee injury sustained in a match against Spurs
curtailed his Derby career and he lost his place to Hughie Gallacher
. His recovery was slow, although in 1935–36 his 30 goals for the Reserves helped Derby to the Central League
championship. He returned to the side for the start of the 1936–37 season; on 5 September 1936, Derby were losing 4–1 at home to Manchester United
, when Bowers struck with four goals in an amazing 15-minute spell (between the 64th and 79th minute) to give his side a spectacular 5–4 victory.
By now he was no longer first choice and in November 1936 he moved to Leicester City
for a fee of £6,000. In his eight years with Derby, he made 220 appearances, scoring 183 goals. Only Steve Bloomer
and Kevin Hector
have scored more goals for Derby.
in 1935. His arrival at Filbert Street
galvanised Leicester's push for promotion and his 33 league goals from only 27 games helped them claim the Second Division title, just ahead of Blackpool
, and also made him top scorer in the division.
Back in the First Division, Bowers was now finding goal-scoring more difficult and he was sharing the goal-scoring responsibilities with Danny Liddle and George Dewis
. The advent of World War II
interrupted his career and he retired in August 1943. In his three League seasons, he scored 52 goals in 79 appearances, plus four goals in five FA Cup appearances.
to Notts County
, working with the youth team. After two years, he returned to Derby County as assistant trainer, a position he held for over twenty years.
He and his wife lived on Pear Tree Road, not far from the Baseball Ground, where they kept a shop.
He died on 4 July 1970 in Lichfield
, Staffordshire
.
Bowers is the first cousin twice removed of Keith Lindsey
and Barry Lindsey, two other Scunthorpe players. The Lindseys are connected through their maternal grandmother's line.
Leicester City
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
.
Early days
Bowers was born in Low Santon, near ScunthorpeScunthorpe
Scunthorpe is a town within North Lincolnshire, England. It is the administrative centre of the North Lincolnshire unitary authority, and had an estimated total resident population of 72,514 in 2010. A predominantly industrial town, Scunthorpe, the United Kingdom's largest steel processing centre,...
and, after playing for Scunthorpe works side Appleby Works, started his professional career with Scunthorpe & Lindsey United
Scunthorpe United F.C.
Scunthorpe United Football Club is an English association football team based in the town of Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, who play in the Football League One....
in December 1927. Five months later, he was transferred to Derby County
Derby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
, where he was to remain until 1936.
Derby County
He was signed for Derby County by manager George JobeyGeorge Jobey
George Jobey was an English football player and manager. He won the league championship as a player with his hometown club Newcastle United.-Career:...
on 5 May 1928, on the same day as future England international Jack Barker
Jack Barker
John William "Jack" Barker was an English footballer who played 327 league games for Derby County and won 11 England caps...
. He made his debut in a 2–1 win over Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
at the Baseball Ground
Baseball Ground
The Baseball Ground was a stadium in Derby, England. It was first used for baseball as the home of Derby County Baseball Club from 1890 until 1898 and then for football as the home of Derby County from 1895 until 1997. It was commonly referred to as the "BBG".As the name suggests, the stadium was...
on 2 February 1929 and celebrated his first appearance by scoring.
It was not until the 1930–31
1930-31 in English football
The 1930–31 season was the 56th season of competitive football in England.-Events:Of note this season was Manchester United's record of the worst start in a major European league – they lost their first twelve games of the season and went on to be relegated....
season that Bowers was to become a regular selection at centre forward after the transfer of Harry Bedford
Harry Bedford
Henry "Harry" Bedford was an English professional football player. He scored 326 league goals in 485 games.-Club career:...
to Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
. His first match in this season came against Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
, which launched Bowers on the way to breaking the club's goal-scoring record. Having sat out the first nine matches of the season, Bowers scored 37 goals in the remaining 33 matches, including four in one game against Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
when the Rams beat the Londoners 6–2. He scored 15 goals in a run of six consecutive matches in January and February 1931. This magnificent spell of goal-scoring was the main reason why Derby reached sixth place and, for most of the season, were sitting on the edge of the leading pack. Bowers holds Derby County's record for the number of League goals in a season (37), although this was equalled by Ray Straw
Ray Straw
Raymond Straw is a former English professional footballer.Straw was a former Coalminer who joined Derby County in 1951 from his home town club Ilkeston Town....
in the Third Division North campaign of 1956–57.
The following season
1931-32 in English football
The 1931–32 season was the 57th season of competitive football in England.-Honours:Notes = Number in parentheses is the times that club has won that honour...
, he was again Derby's top-scorer despite only scoring 25 goals, but improved on this in 1932–33
1932-33 in English football
The 1932–33 season was the 58th season of competitive football in England.-Honours:Notes = Number in parentheses is the times that club has won that honour...
with 35 league goals, thus making him the top scorer
English football champions
The English football champions are the winners of the highest league in English football, which is currently the Premier League. Teams in bold are those who won the double of League Championship and FA Cup, or the European Double of League Championship and European Cup in that season.Following the...
in the Football League First Division
Football League First Division
The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
as Derby finished in seventh place in the table. Bowers also contributed eight goals in the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
as Derby reached the semi-finals
FA Cup Semi-finals
The FA Cup Semi-finals are played to determine which teams will contest the FA Cup Final. They are the penultimate phase of the FA Cup, the oldest football tournament in the world.- Location :...
where they lost to Manchester City
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
. This was the only round in the cup run in which Bowers failed to score, as he finished the season with a total of 43 goals from 47 matches. This remains Derby's goal-scoring record.
His form continued into the next season, when he was again top scorer
English football champions
The English football champions are the winners of the highest league in English football, which is currently the Premier League. Teams in bold are those who won the double of League Championship and FA Cup, or the European Double of League Championship and European Cup in that season.Following the...
in the top flight with 34 league goals, plus three in the cup, with Derby reaching fourth place in the table.
His form for Derby brought him to the notice of the England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
selectors and he was given his first international cap in the 1934 British Home Championship
1934 British Home Championship
The 1934 British Home Championship was an annual international football tournament played between the British Home Nations during the 1933–34 football season. It was won by Wales, whose run of form during the 1930s was their last sustained period of international success in the team's history...
against Ireland played at Windsor Park
Windsor Park
Windsor Park is a football stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland and the home ground of Linfield F.C. and the Northern Ireland national football team. It is also where the Irish Cup and Irish League Cup finals are played.-History:...
, Belfast
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
on 14 October 1933. Bowers scored England's third goal in the 60th minute in a 3–0 victory. He retained his place for the next match against Wales
Wales national football team
The Wales national football team represents Wales in international football. It is controlled by the Football Association of Wales , the governing body for football in Wales, and the third oldest national football association in the world. The team have only qualified for a major international...
on 15 November, but failed to score as England went down 2–1. As this victory enabled Wales to claim the British Home Championship
British Home Championship
The British Home Championship was an annual football competition contested between the United Kingdom's four national teams, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from the 1883–84 season until the 1983–84...
title, Bowers' next match against Scotland
Scotland national football team
The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...
was to have no bearing on the destiny of the title. Bowers scored in the 85th minute as England defeated the Scots 3–0. Bower also made two appearances for the Football League.
In September 1934, a serious knee injury sustained in a match against Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
curtailed his Derby career and he lost his place to Hughie Gallacher
Hughie Gallacher
Hugh Kilpatrick "Hughie" Gallacher was a Scottish football player in the 1920s and 1930s. In 624 senior games, Gallacher scored 463 times....
. His recovery was slow, although in 1935–36 his 30 goals for the Reserves helped Derby to the Central League
Central League
The or is one the two professional baseball leagues that constitute Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. The winner of the league championship plays against the winner of the Pacific League in the annual Japan Series. It currently consists of six teams from around the country,The Central League...
championship. He returned to the side for the start of the 1936–37 season; on 5 September 1936, Derby were losing 4–1 at home to Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
, when Bowers struck with four goals in an amazing 15-minute spell (between the 64th and 79th minute) to give his side a spectacular 5–4 victory.
By now he was no longer first choice and in November 1936 he moved to Leicester City
Leicester City F.C.
Leicester City Football Club , also known as The Foxes, is an English professional football club based at the King Power Stadium in Leicester...
for a fee of £6,000. In his eight years with Derby, he made 220 appearances, scoring 183 goals. Only Steve Bloomer
Steve Bloomer
Steve Bloomer was an English footballer and manager who played for Derby County, Middlesbrough and England during the 1890s and 1900s. Bloomer remains a legend at Derby County and the club anthem, Steve Bloomer's Watchin', is played before every home game...
and Kevin Hector
Kevin Hector
Kevin James Hector is an English former footballer who scored 268 goals from 662 appearances in the Football League playing for Bradford Park Avenue and Derby County. His 486 League appearances for Derby County is a club record...
have scored more goals for Derby.
Leicester City
Bowers joined Leicester City in November 1936, who had been relegated to the Football League Second DivisionFootball League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
in 1935. His arrival at Filbert Street
Filbert Street
Filbert Street, in Leicester, England, was a football stadium, and the home of Leicester City from 1891 to 2002. Although officially titled "The City Business Stadium" in the early 1990s, it remained known almost exclusively by its address, like many English football stadia.- Early years :The club,...
galvanised Leicester's push for promotion and his 33 league goals from only 27 games helped them claim the Second Division title, just ahead of Blackpool
Blackpool F.C.
Blackpool Football Club are an English football club founded in 1887 from the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool. They are competing in the 2011–12 season of the The Championship, the second tier of professional football in England, having been relegated from the Premier League at the end of the...
, and also made him top scorer in the division.
Back in the First Division, Bowers was now finding goal-scoring more difficult and he was sharing the goal-scoring responsibilities with Danny Liddle and George Dewis
George Dewis
George Renger Dewis was an English-born footballer who played as a centre forward in the Football League between the 1930s and 1950s....
. The advent of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
interrupted his career and he retired in August 1943. In his three League seasons, he scored 52 goals in 79 appearances, plus four goals in five FA Cup appearances.
Later career
In August 1943, Bowers was appointed coachCoach (sport)
In sports, a coach is an individual involved in the direction, instruction and training of the operations of a sports team or of individual sportspeople.-Staff:...
to Notts County
Notts County F.C.
Notts County Football Club are an English professional football club based in Nottingham. They are the oldest of all the clubs in the world that are now professional, having been formed in 1862. They currently play in League One of The Football League, the third tier of the English football system...
, working with the youth team. After two years, he returned to Derby County as assistant trainer, a position he held for over twenty years.
He and his wife lived on Pear Tree Road, not far from the Baseball Ground, where they kept a shop.
He died on 4 July 1970 in Lichfield
Lichfield
Lichfield is a cathedral city, civil parish and district in Staffordshire, England. One of eight civil parishes with city status in England, Lichfield is situated roughly north of Birmingham...
, Staffordshire
Staffordshire
Staffordshire is a landlocked county in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes, the county is a NUTS 3 region and is one of four counties or unitary districts that comprise the "Shropshire and Staffordshire" NUTS 2 region. Part of the National Forest lies within its borders...
.
Family
His son Jack Bowers, Jr. played for Derby County between 1957 and 1966, making 65 League appearances in that time.Bowers is the first cousin twice removed of Keith Lindsey
Keith Lindsey
Keith Lindsey was an English professional football player. His professional career lasted from between 1964 to 1975 as he made over 200 appearances in the Football League...
and Barry Lindsey, two other Scunthorpe players. The Lindseys are connected through their maternal grandmother's line.
Appearances for England
| Match No. | Opponents | Date | Stadium | Result | Goals | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ireland | 14-10-1933 | Belfast | 3–0 | 1 | Derby County |
| 2 | Wales Wales national football team The Wales national football team represents Wales in international football. It is controlled by the Football Association of Wales , the governing body for football in Wales, and the third oldest national football association in the world. The team have only qualified for a major international... |
15-11-1933 | Newcastle | 1–2 | 0 | Derby County |
| 3 | Scotland Scotland national football team The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872... |
14-04-1934 | London | 3–0 | 1 | Derby County |
Achievements
Derby CountyDerby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
- Top scorer in 1st Division 1932–33 season: 35 goals
- Top scorer in 1st Division 1933–34 season: 34 goals
- Club record for total goals in one season: 37 goals in 1930–31 season
Leicester City
Leicester City F.C.
Leicester City Football Club , also known as The Foxes, is an English professional football club based at the King Power Stadium in Leicester...
- Top scorer in 2nd Division 1936–37 season: 33 goals
- Football League Second DivisionFootball League Second DivisionFrom 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
champions: 1936–371936-37 in English footballThe 1936–37 season was the 62nd season of competitive football in England.-Honours:Notes = Number in parentheses is the times that club has won that honour...