Lee Bowyer has today finally been named as the permanent manager of Charlton Athletic after spending months in a caretaker role.
The former Leeds midfielder has been a surprise success at the Valley, guiding the to un unlikely play off place last season, with them currently eighth in the early League One table.
Bowyer wouldn’t have been the first choice on many fans minds when Karl Robinson left, his temperamental playing days tarnished his reputation somewhat, but he’s building a reputation as a clam and influential manager who is fiercely protective of his players.
As a former Charlton youngster he’s got the club at heart and he seems set to wipe the slate clean as he progresses in management, a much wiser and calmer man than the footballing world gives him credit for.
Bowyer said: “I said, when I first took charge, that it was a fairytale to be back working at Charlton, the club where I started playing. I love this club and will give everything to get promotion. We got the players in we wanted this summer and that gives us stability.”
He also praised the Charlton fans, who have warmed to him amidst distrust of the board and owner.
“The fans have been outstanding, too – they have supported me from the first minute of my first game against Plymouth and we all want to do well for them.”
Our View
This is wonderful news for Charlton fans, it is a bit of stability in a rather turbulent spell of their history.
Bowyer is a popular character in that corner of London and if he can find a way to guide them to the top six this season, he’ll win even more fans, perhaps in the wider football world.
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