Jarrod Bowen has arrived in Australia well prepared after speaking to his former Hull City teammate and current Socceroo Jackson Irvine - but he is still scared stiff of running into the local wildlife!
The West Ham United forward had never been Down Under prior to arriving with the squad on Thursday evening, but has quickly settled into life in Perth, training and meeting thousands of supporters at the team hotel and an open training session.
Bowen will spearhead the Irons’ attack in their ‘Unmissable Football’ pre-season tour matches against Perth Glory and Tottenham Hotspur at Optus Stadium, and is also hoping to use his free time to experience some of what Western Australia has to offer away from the pitch.
As such, the No20 caught up with his ex-Hull teammate and Australia stalwart Irvine before boarding the plane.
Speaking from the Hammers training base at Macedonia Park, the home of National Premier Leagues WA club Stirling Macedonia, Bowen told the media: “I remember when he signed for Hull, he had played against us for Burton and he got sent-off for two tackles on me, which was quite funny!
“When he signed, he was a really great player [for Hull], then I left [to join West Ham] and he stayed for a little bit longer and he’s gone out to Germany now [with St Pauli], but that’s Jackson as he’s kind of a free spirit. He is a party himself.
“I remember seeing him play for Australia against Argentina and Lionel Messi and they gave a really good account of themselves.
“I’ve spoken to Jackson just before I was coming out here and he told me what to expect, and I’m sure we’ll catch up when I’m back to see if it was what he told me!”
With the Club’s current internationals yet to return from their summer break, Bowen has been the star of the show in Perth, spending well over an hour signing autographs and posing for selfies at Thursday’s open training session, which was attended by 2,600 supporters.
Now, he wants to put on a show when West Ham take on Glory and Spurs on Saturday 15 July and Tuesday 18 July respectively, with both games kicking-off at 6pm Perth time.
“Personally, I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. It’s been mental to see the reaction out here since we arrived 48 hours ago.
“I've never been halfway across the world and met fans, and it puts it into perspective how big it is to play for this Club. It gives me real pride and honour to meet the fans and sign their shirts and hats.”
Whilst has enjoyed interacting with fans and is looking forward to the football, Bowen – the hero of the hour in West Ham’s UEFA Europa Conference League final triumph last month – will be steering clear of some of the local wildlife!
“I hate snakes and I hate spiders – I’m scared of seeing them!” he laughed. “I went to see the stadium and they said we can walk along the top platform on the roof, but I said 'I'm not doing that!'.
“I've been told there is loads to do, but it seems to all involve scary animals! I am hoping to see some animals, but I've seen kangaroos jumping at people, so even they scare me. I think I'll stick to koalas as they look nice, so maybe them!”
