Bowyer leaves Charlton, eyes on Birmingham seat?

Lee Bowyer is today being linked with a dramatic return to Birmingham City, after the former Blues midfielder stepped down from his role as Charlton boss, with Aitor Karanka reportedly vacating the Birmingham job last night.

Birmingham are yet to officially confirm the departure of Karanka, despite every reputable news source in the country reporting he was fired yesterday after a 3-0 home loss against Bristol City.

What is confirmed though, is that Bowyer has left Charlton today, resigning with the club in eighth place in League One. 

In Bowyer’s three years at the Charlton, he twice took them to the League One play-offs, earning Championship football last season, before relegation back to the third tier this term.

There was some belief that Bowyer would take the vacant position at Birmingham to start the 2020/21 season, but the Blues opted for former Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest manager Karanka, with underwhelming results.

Bowyer said of his departure today: “Everyone knows how I feel about the club. I could have gone before but I felt it was the right thing to do to stay and help the club through the tough times we’ve been through.

“We had some amazing times and some tough times. It has been emotional leaving. I’d like to thank all the players that I’ve worked with and the staff for the hours and hours of hard work that they did. 

“I also want to thank the supporters. We wouldn’t have had those great memories without them. The club is now in a place with a good owner that cares and wants to improve the place and I hope the club can continue to grow. It will always hold a special place in my heart.”