Cheltenham Town are preparing to part ways with forward Ryan Bowman after a difficult spell at the club, with manager Michael Flynn confirming the striker is set to leave by mutual consent.
Bowman joined the Robins last summer following his release from Shrewsbury Town, but has struggled to make an impact at Whaddon Road. The 32-year-old has scored just three times in 17 appearances this season and has found it hard to recapture the form that once made him a consistent goalscorer in League One and the National League.
Flynn spoke candidly about Bowman’s time at the club during a midweek press conference, revealing that personal struggles have played a significant role in the striker’s underwhelming campaign.
“He has been a disappointment, but I would say he has had the weight of the world on his mind. And we have tried to sign someone who scored a lot of goals in League One and should’ve done it here. But some things aren’t always how we just want them.”
Mutual consent decision looms
Flynn added that the club’s board had been supportive in helping facilitate Bowman’s departure, with the financial side of any termination being handled respectfully by both parties.
“I’ve asked Clive (Gowing, financial director) and the chairman (David Bloxham) and they have been very generous in terms of where they can go with Ryan and we are where we are now,” Flynn explained.
Bowman’s departure would bring to an end a short and challenging stint in Gloucestershire despite the player’s strong pedigree. The Cumbrian-born striker began his career with Carlisle United and went on to score regularly for the likes of Hereford United, Torquay, Gateshead, Motherwell and Exeter City before his move to Shrewsbury in 2021.
During his time at the New Meadow, he netted a memorable hat-trick against Cambridge United and overcame serious health concerns, including undergoing heart surgery in 2022. His experience made him an appealing summer acquisition, but the move has not worked out as hoped.
With his contract now set to be ended early, both player and club will be looking to move forward, and Bowman is expected to seek new opportunities elsewhere once the agreement is finalised.
Writer’s view
It’s always tough when a transfer doesn’t work out, especially with a player of Bowman’s calibre and history. On paper, it looked a smart signing – but football doesn’t always follow logic.
Credit must go to Flynn and the club for handling the situation with care, and allowing Bowman the space to move on with dignity after what’s clearly been a testing chapter in his career.
