Jack Bonham

Jack Elliott Bonham (born 14 September 1993) is a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for EFL Championship club Stoke City.

A product of the Watford academy, Bonham spent time on loan at Harrow Borough, before transferring to Brentford in June 2013. After failing to break into the team, he spent much of his later career with the club away on loan, before transferring to Gillingham in 2019. Although born in England, Bonham represented the Republic of Ireland at U17 level.

Club Career

Watford

Bonham signed a scholarship deal with Watford in June 2010, but quickly signed his first professional contract three months later, having just turned 17. Due to first team goalkeeper Scott Loach incurring a suspension, Bonham won his maiden call up to the first team squad on 26 November 2011, when he was an unused substitute during a 0–0 Championship draw with Doncaster Rovers. Bonham was an unused substitute on 12 occasions during the 2012–13 season.

Bonham made his only appearance for Watford on 4 May 2013, when he came on as a substitute for injured goalkeeper Jonathan Bond after 24 minutes of the final game of the season against Leeds United. He was only included in the squad due to an injury sustained in the warm up by first-choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and was at fault for both Leeds' goals in the 2–1 defeat, which cost Watford the chance of automatic promotion to the Premier League. After the match, Watford manager Gianfranco Zola refused to blame Bonham for his actions. Bonham was not called into the squad for Watford's unsuccessful playoff campaign. On 7 June 2013, Watford announced that Bonham's contract would not be renewed and he was released by the club.

Harrow Borough (loan)

On 17 February 2012, Bonham joined Isthmian League Premier Division club Harrow Borough on a one-month emergency loan deal. He made the first senior appearance of his career the following day, conceding two goals in a 2–2 draw with