Forest Green Rovers have appointed former Reading boss Mark Bowen as their new director of football ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The 61-year-old joins the Gloucestershire outfit following over a year out of the game after leaving his role at Reading in controversial circumstances.
Ex-Wales Coach Returns to Football With Forest Green
Bowen brings a wealth of experience to the New Lawn, having held high-level footballing roles across a 25-year coaching career. A former international full-back with 41 caps for Wales, he featured for Norwich City, West Ham United, and Charlton Athletic during a distinguished playing career before stepping into coaching, most notably serving as assistant to Mark Hughes across six different clubs and the Welsh national team.
More recently, he operated as Reading’s head of football operations, having also taken charge of the Royals as manager during the pandemic-hit 2019/20 season. His time at the Select Car Leasing Stadium ended in 2023 amid a legal dispute with the club and a ban issued by the FA for betting regulation breaches. Nevertheless, Bowen remains a respected figure in technical and recruitment circles and is seen as a strong appointment as Forest Green look to rebuild following another play-off disappointment.
Rovers have been without a permanent director of football since Allan Steele’s departure in early 2024. Bowen’s arrival signals the club’s intent to stabilise its footballing structure and challenge once more for promotion from the National League.
The Nailsworth side finished third in the fifth tier last season under Steve Cotterill but were edged out by Southend United in a penalty shootout in the play-off semi-final, denying them a return to League Two at the first time of asking.
Bowen’s remit is expected to include player recruitment, long-term footballing strategy, and supporting Cotterill’s efforts to assemble a squad capable of automatic promotion next season.
Writer’s View
Forest Green’s move for Mark Bowen is a statement of ambition. Despite his recent controversy, Bowen’s background is as extensive as it gets outside of the top flight—from working with the Wales national team to handling football operations at a Championship club in crisis.
His experience could prove invaluable in helping the club take the next step. After coming up short in the play-offs, a clearer footballing structure under Bowen could be just what Forest Green need to go one better in 2025/26.
