One of our most recent reinforcements, Ryan Bowman arrived at St James Park on January 2, 2019. A striker of proven pedigree, he began his career with Carlisle United, rising up the youth ranks before making his senior bow in 2010.
Having left Brunton Park the following year, he has since enjoyed spells with a host of other clubs, including a season in Devon with Torquay United, for whom he netted 12 league goals. Most recently, he enjoyed a three-season stint in the Scottish Premiership with Motherwell. A physical presence in the forward line, Ryan has already assured himself of a central role in City’s battle for promotion.
10 – Signed early on in the January window, Ryan waited just 10 days to make his debut, coming off the bench 20 minutes from time at home to Morecambe. Warmly received by the Grecian faithful, he immediately set about trying to break the deadlock, but was unfortunately unsuccessful, with the game petering out into a 0-0 draw.
95 – Having impressed on his first outing, Ryan made his first start the following week, making the 95-mile trip to Rodney Parade. Still flying after knocking Leicester City out of the FA Cup, Newport County proved too strong for the Grecians, with a late Jamille Matt goal helping them to a 1-0 win.
2 – Quickly becoming a key influence in the dressing room, Ryan suffered his first set back 11 games into his City career, being sent off for two bookable offences just 23 minutes into Exeter’s trip to Notts County. Luckily, despite being forced to play against overwhelming odds for 67 minutes, the Grecians conjured up a backs to the wall performance as they stole a win courtesy of a last gasp intervention from Nicky Law.
1 – However, Ryan soon fought back, netting two goals away at Macclesfield Town, just one match after his return from suspension. Whilst his opener, was a relatively simple affair, nodding in a Lee Martin cross, his second was delightful. With the scores level, he latched onto a long ball from Christy Pym, outpacing the opposition centre halves before dispatching a neat right-footed finish into the bottom corner from 20 yards. Despite his best efforts, the Grecians were unable to hold on to their lead, ultimately losing out 3-2.
12 – Although he has not been on the score sheet since, Ryan has still been integral in much of the Grecians’ best play going forwards. Last time out against Port Vale, he earned City a penalty just two minutes after kick-off. Duly dispatched by the irrepressible Nicky Law, his efforts helped to pave the way for a comfortable 2-0 win.