Bowie sees a future Ful of promise
Kieron went from boys club to Cottagers in space of two years
Two years ago Kieron Bowie was turning out for Glenrothes Strollers and plotting a career outside football.
But that feels like a lifetime ago after he grabbed his big break at boyhood club Raith Rovers.
And his fairytale journey will take another turn in the summer when he joins up with Fulham in a deal worth £150,000.
That’s the striker’s reward for bagging 10 goals this season for a Raith side gunning for promotion.
He wants to join the Cottagers in July with League One and Challenge Cup medals in the bag.
Bowie said: “To be honest, I didn’t really think my chance to make it in football was ever going to come.
“Nothing had happened up until I turned 15 so I started thinking about other jobs and careers.
“I played boys club football for Strollers until I was 15 then joined the Fife Elite Football Academy.
“I keep in touch with the lads and coaches at Glenrothes Strollers.
“I still watch out for their results and like to see them do well.
“John McGlynn and Paul Smith must have liked what they saw.
“I was asked to play reserve games for Raith and soon after was offered a contract while I was still at school. Playing for Raith has been the making of me, I’m so glad it has worked out.
“I didn’t have any other career in mind. I had put all my eggs in the one basket – football.
“I’ve attended games at Stark’s Park with my grandad since I was a young boy. My family all watch my games and are proud of me.”
While some prospects enjoy l iving it large on pro- youth contracts, Bowie has been safeguarding his future by working towards a Modern Apprenticeship qualification.
The at tacker knows f rom experience that circumstances can change in a flash.
Bowie said: “Because I signed on when I was 16, the club were keen that I was learning alongside developing my football.
“Skills Development Scotland arrange for someone to come in every few weeks and help me to complete my nine learning units over the two-year course.
“It’s reassuring to know that I’m gaining a qualification. If I’d been released, I’d still have something to show for it on my CV.
“That would have helped me build a career outside of football.
Rovers were rewarded for showing their faith in the local kid when the Londoners swooped to sign him on deadline day.
Bowie said: “To move from Raith Rovers to a big English team like Fulham is unreal.
“I went down to London on deadline day to have a look at the facilities – and it was a different world down there.
“Steve Wigley works at Fulham and is one of the top youth coaches in Europe. He knows exactly how he wants to develop me.
“Dad is delighted but mum is a bit upset because her wee boy is leaving home for the first time.
“But she’s over the moon for me. It’s a life- changer.
“It will be a huge difference moving to London. Life is a lot faster than in quiet Fife.
“Fulham allowed me to stay at Raith for the rest of the season and it’s great for my development.
“Finishing the season strong here is the right move, rather than not playing any games at Fulham until the summer.
“I could leave with two medals this season.
“That would be the perfect way to end my time at the club.”
To move from Raith Rovers to a big English team is unreal. It’s a different world down there – life in London is a lot faster than in quiet Fife