Matty Bowman on the hunt for fresh start after Dunfermline departure
Matty Bowman has reflected on his time with Dunfermline Athletic after leaving the club by mutual consent last month.
The former Scarborough Athletic youngster made his first team debut in November, attracting glowing praise from Pars boss Stevie Crawford.
However, opportunities have been limited since then and after a bid to seal a loan move were scuppered by leagues halting north and south of the border, Bowman agreed to mutually terminate his contract with the Scottish Championship club in a bid to seek a fresh start.
“It was frustrating not to get more minutes and opportunities after making my debut in November, particularly as I played well and thought I took my chance,” said Bowman.
“The feedback from the manager after my debut was good too, so I expected to kick on and earn some more game time - but after I was on the bench a few times after my debut, I was just left out of the squad altogether.
“It’s disappointing that things have turned out like this, but I don’t regret going up there at all - the fans were great with me during my time at the club and if I hadn’t taken it I think I would’ve regretted that forever.”
Bowman admitted a loan move was scuppered by the ongoing coronavirus restrictions which have led to the postponement of leagues north and south of the border.
“It was tough as everything below the Championship in Scotland has been stopped and also leagues in England have temporarily halted too,” added Bowman.
“I’ve had four offers for next season from National League North and Northern Premier League clubs, but we’ll wait and see.
“I’d like to try and find something to go and get some football in until the end of the season if at all possible, but it may not happen.
“I also have a deferred offer to go and study at Loughborough University and I could maybe play part time alongside that.
“There are opportunities in America too that I could look at if nothing materialises here.”
Bowman hasn’t let his exit from the Scottish Championship club dent his self-belief or ambition to kick on and return to professional football.
“I still have belief in my ability and think that I have shown that at every level of the game I’ve played at,” he added.
“I thought I showed I had the ability to play for Dunfermline when I made my debut, but that wasn’t to be.
“I pride myself on my fitness and conditioning and am ready to go should something come up.”