DADDY JARROD HOPING FINAL IS CHILD’S PLAY
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JARROD BOWEN celebrated the arrival of twin daughters Summer and Star last month – now he wants to be the daddy of West Ham’s Europa Conference League final.
If the Hammers beat Fiorentina in Wednesday night’s showpiece it will cap an unforgettable few weeks for the England winger.
Wetting the babies’ heads could not be any sweeter for Bowen if he completes the treble of Premier League safety, fatherhood and the
Irons’ first major trophy in 43 years.
His partner, Love Island star Dani Dyer, will be in charge of the twins while Bowen takes care of business in Prague – and he hopes his life is about to change on the pitch as well as in the nursery at home.
“I’m trying to get as much sleep as I can before the final,” he said. “When they came last week it was the best feeling. They’re back home now and doing well.
“They say becoming a dad changes your perspective but you don’t lose the love for football. It’s a different feeling, it just adds another dimension to your life. I still love football, and with my two little kids coming along now it’s the best feeling.”
Bowen’s prospective father-in-law, Eastenders star Danny Dyer, is a massive West Ham fan.
But the Hammers forward laughed: “I don’t know if he’s coming out to Prague or not but he will still be supporting us like any other West Ham fan around here. Of course you get excited – it’s a final and probably the biggest game of my career. I’ve played for England, but when you’re in a final together with your team-mates and friends, that’s so much bigger.
“For this club to win a European trophy would be a massive moment. We all want it but it is important not to get too psyched up for it.
“You have to find the balance between not getting too fired up and not caring enough.”
Win or lose, the final could turn out to be manager David Moyes’ last game in charge of the Hammers. He has not categorically slammed the door on walking away in triumph if he lands the first major trophy of his career, and there are dark whispers he might be sacked if the Irons come unstuck at the final hurdle.
But Bowen will always be grateful to Moyes for taking an £18million punt on him three-and-a-half years ago, saying: “He was the one who took a chance when no one else wanted to.
“They took the risk of bringing a Championship player from Hull to a Premier League club.
“To have these moments of a European final, I never thought it would have happened when I first signed. To be a part of this squad fills me with so much pride.”