June 27 2001

Mark Bowen

Former Welsh international defender Mark Bowen has been named as the new boss of the Crystal Palace reserve team. .

Bowen was coaching the Welsh national side and joins the new-look Palace management team at Selhurst Park.

Steve Bruce said: "I am very happy Mark has joined the management team and his experience, particularly with young players, is second to none. I feel that his appointment is testament to the direction in which the club is going."

Welsh International Mark Bowen was with Norwich City for nine years from July 1987 until the summer of 1996.

Originally with Tottenham Hotspur, the attacking left back joined Norwich for £90,000. Whilst with Norwich, Mark became a regular in the Welsh international team that narrowly missed out on qualification for the 1994 World Cup.

He has also played at right back and as sweeper. Norwich's financial problems in 1996 saw them release many stars on free transfers. Despite interest from Leeds and Coventry, Mark joined West Ham and was a first team regular.

In March 1997, Mark joined Japanese side Shimizu Pulse, managed by Ossie Ardiles, for the reported sum of £1million and scored on his debut against Brummel Sendai on March 22nd.

He returned to England in September 1997 joining Charlton Athletic. He made his debut for the Addicks as substitute in their 4-0 thrashing of Norwich at Carrow Road on September 17th 1997.

His presence and experience helped Charlton to the play-offs where he converted one of the penalties in their victory over Sunderland that took Charlton into the Premiership for the first time.

After his 1998/99 season was ravaged by injuries, the Addicks released Mark in May 1999 following their relegation to Division One.

Mark later joined Wigan Athletic on a month-to-month contract in August 1999 and made his debut on the opening day of the 1999/2000 season against Scunthorpe.

Welsh National head team coach Mark Hughes gave Mark responsibility for the Under 21s, and Bowen later coached the full squad.