Bowden was born in Wolverhampton and played his early football for various local clubs before joining Aston Villa on amateur terms in January 1903.
[1] He failed to make the grade at Villa and never appeared in the first team, before moving to local rivals West Bromwich Albion in June 1904.
By the time he was fit to play once more, Pheasant had become established at centre-half and Bowden was transferred to Southampton of the Southern League.
[1] Bowden missed two months mid-season following an injury (when he was replaced by John Robertson) before returning at the end of January for the rest of the season.
[2] He played the last four matches at left-half, with Frank Thorpe taking over at centre-half, following an injury to Bill Gray.