On January 23rd 128 years ago, a Canadian by the name of Walter Bowman made his debut for Accrington FC. In doing so, Bowman made history by becoming the Football League’s first foreign footballer. This is the story of Walter Wells Bowman.
Walter Bowman: The Football League’s First Foreign Footballer
Born in Ontario, Canada on August 11th 1870, Walter W Bowman began his football journey with his local team Berlin (Ontario) Rangers. He played as an outside right. For those not familiar with this position, Bowman would now be called a winger. While at Rangers, Bowman would also represent the Canada national team. It was with Canada where he would experience his first taste of England.
Canada’s Tours of Britain
In 1888 Bowman was part of a Canada team that toured Britain. The success of this tour and the form of Bowman for Rangers meant he and Canada (as part of a Canada/USA squad) returned to Britain again in 1891. Their four-month tour included a staggering 58 fixtures. Bowman featured in 54, scoring 11 goals. This time, instead of heading back to his native Canada, Bowman decided to stay in England.
Walter Bowman and his Career in England
In 1892, Bowman signed for Accrington Stanley. When he made his debut, Walter Bowman made history by becoming the Football League’s first-ever foreign footballer. The outside forward would only make five appearances for Stanley, scoring three goals before moving on.
Bowman moved to Ardwick; a club that would become Manchester City in 1894. Bowman would stay in Manchester for several years playing in a talented team of players. However, as City did not enter the Football League until 1899, Bowman did not make as many appearances as he would have done should City have entered earlier.
In eight seasons in England, Bowman played just 54 games, scoring 11 goals.
Different World, Different Game
Back in the late 1800s, football was a relatively new game, played in a different world that we now live in. Due to this, Bowman making history the way he did was not reported as being as relevant as if it happened today.
Bowman moved back across the Atlantic, living in Montana. He would move on to Seattle where he died aged 77 in 1948. Bowman was a history maker and by all accounts a very good player. In a different age, Walter W Bowman would have received a lot more attention, recognition and respect for his skill and for making the move from his native Canada to Britain. A history-making footballer, born in the wrong era.
