Aware of the importance of having consistent home games, former Hereford FC player Jarrod Bowen has promised to help pay for a much-needed new drainage system.

The current winger of the English national team and West Ham United started his career at Hereford FC in 2014 and knows all too well the importance of having a good pitch. Also, his uncle is currently the groundsman at the club.

Earlier this year, wet weather forced the team to play home fixtures in Redditch and Worcester, as postponed games piled up.

“The substantial period of poor weather this winter and the poor drainage issues with the pitch, which has resulted in numerous postponements, has caused the groundsman (my Uncle Ben) this season a serious challenge,” Bowen’s statement read.

“Not only is it important for Hereford FC to be playing consistent home games on a well-maintained surface at Edgar Street, but for me it’s also vitally important for the youth of Herefordshire to play their traditional finals on the pitch.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have played on the pitch as a junior in these finals and as a senior player at the very start of my professional career, but it was those moments as a child that still hold fondest memories for me and the family.

“I feel it’s a fantastic opportunity for me to give something back to not only the club but the community that gave me an opportunity within football.”