We would like to wish our former player and manager Keith Bowker a very Happy 70th Birthday today.
Keith joined Taunton in December 1986 following a professional career with Birmingham City, Exeter City, Cambridge United and Torquay United. He gained success in his first game, a 1-0 win at Mangotsfield United, before staying at the club for another six and a half years. Undoubtedly the highlight was him managing the Peacocks to the Western League Championship title in 1989-90 for only the second time in the club’s history, celebrated with an excellent dinner at the County Hotel.
Overall Keith managed Town for 335 games of which 169 were won while he made 138 full and 17 substitute appearances, scoring five goals. Club President Tom Harris, who was Chairman throughout this period and is pictured above with him, paid tribute to Keith:
“Keith Bowker the big 7-0! This brings back memories of a very professional manager with some excellent players. Peter Hatch, John Delve, Chris Souness, Phil Hunt, Steve Mallett, Neil Penwill, Jamie Ward, Nigel Jarvis, Paul West, Billy Ferris, Dave Awcock, Kevin Maloy, Mark Richards, Darren Cann and Nigel Pugh come to mind but there were many others, not forgetting Andy Jago, who was Keith’s assistant manager for a while and physio Jimmy Greene. Many of these players helped to secure the Championship in 1989/1990.
Good luck Keith and Carol, all the best from Tom and Elsie Harris.”