Lewisham-born Richie Bowman began his career as an apprentice with Charlton Athletic in November 1970 and turned professional in March 1973.
The battling midfielder went on to make 96 league appearances for the 'Addicks' and won Charlton's Player of the Year award in 1975 which came a season after being loaned out to Dover Athletic (March 1974).
In December 1976 a £5,000 deal took him to Reading and he spent five years with the Royals, scoring 32 goals in 223 appearances and helping them win the Football League Fourth Division championship in 1979.
During his time at Elm Park he won successive Player of the Season awards in 1977-78 and 1978-79.
Two years later former Charlton team-mate Keith Peacock brought him to Gillingham for a tribunal set fee of £25,000 and he made his debut in a 3-1 victory over Burnley on the opening day of the 1981-82 season at Priestfield Stadium.
Richie chases down Karl Elsey of Newport County in April 1983
Unfortunately in December 1981, he seriously injured his knee in an FA Cup match against Barking and although he attempted a number of comebacks, he was forced to retire in February 1984 having made just 31 appearances for the Gills.
Richie has been involved with Charlton Athletic veterans over the years playing both cricket and football for them, including a cricketing and football double-header against the Kent-based world-class Lashings at West Malling in the summer of 2007.
