 Bowker began his career as an apprentice at Birmingham City, turning professional in August 1968, though he had to wait over two years for his league debut.He found it impossible to establish himself at St Andrew's and in December 1973, after 5 goals in 21 league games, moved to Exeter City.Bowker played and scored regularly at Exeter; in two-and-a-half seasons he hit 38 goals in 110 league games.