Background
Bowden was born in Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne and was a trainee at Newcastle United.
Bowden was born in Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne and was a trainee at Newcastle United.
Failing to obtain a professional contract on Tyneside, he joined Derby County in May 1930, where he made his first-team debut in the 1932-1933 season at inside-right. In his five years at Derby he spent most of his career in the reserves, managing only ten appearances in the Football League First Division. He then spent a season with Brighton & Hove Albion, making only one appearance before moving along the south coast to return to the Second Division with Southampton.
He made his "Saints" debut in the opening match of the 1938-1939 season, playing at inside-left in a 2–1 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur, before giving way to Arthur Holt.
Bowden made only one further appearance in the first team, plus 25 for the reserves, before being released at the end of the season. Following the outbreak of World World War II, Bowden never played League football again.