He was signed for Derby County by manager George Jobey on 5 May 1928, on the same day as future England international Jack Barker.
[2] 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.
[3] 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.
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.
Bowers also contributed eight goals in the FA Cup as Derby reached the semi-finals where they lost to Manchester City.
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.
[1] 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.