Former Birmingham City and Cardiff Star Shares Heartbreaking Health News
Cardiff City look set to return to the Championship at the first attempt. Birmingham City will also be in the same division next season. The two clubs have shared a league in 12 of the last 15 seasons. All of those meetings took place in the Championship.
Shared history and proximity
The two clubs traded places between League One and the second tier last May. Cardiff’s biggest rivals are Swansea City. Birmingham’s main rival remains Aston Villa. The cities lie just over 100 miles apart, making Birmingham one of Cardiff’s shorter away trips next season.
Players who represented both clubs
Several players have worn both shirts. Names include Jordon Mutch, Darren Purse, Isaac Vassell, Neil Etheridge, Lee Camp, Chris Burke and Omar Bogle. Another notable figure who played for both sides is Jason Bowen.
Bowen’s illness update
A former Birmingham City and Cardiff star has shared heartbreaking health news about his ongoing illness. Filmogaz.com can confirm earlier BBC coverage that Bowen has battled Motor Neurone Disease since March 2021.
Recent reporting shows the condition has progressed. Bowen is now losing use of his legs. He says his right arm is weakening and his left arm cannot be used at all. He also reports changes to his voice and growing difficulty with walking and eating.
Rehabilitation and impact
Bowen initially managed rehabilitation in 2021. He later stopped the programme because it left him exhausted. Fatigue forced him to pause further treatment.
Career highlights
Bowen began his career at Swansea City. He helped Swansea win the AutoGlass Trophy in 1994. He then joined Birmingham, playing there from 1995 to 1997.
A brief loan involved Southampton, followed by a move to Reading. He returned to Wales in 1999 to sign for Cardiff City. Bowen won three promotions and suffered one relegation with the Bluebirds. He joined Newport County in 2004 and finished his playing career with Llanelli from 2008 to 2013.
International record and family
Bowen earned two caps for Wales. His debut came in 1994 against Estonia. His second appearance arrived in a 7-1 defeat to the Netherlands two years later.
His son, Sam, came through Cardiff’s academy. Sam later moved on to Newport County.
- Diagnosed: March 2021.
- Public confirmation: BBC coverage in February 2023.
- Current status: Progressive loss of leg function and arm weakness.
- Retired: Finished playing in 2013 with Llanelli.
