Eck: Bowyer is just what Blues need... a fighter
BIRMINGHAM players have been warned to take no liberties with tough new boss Lee Bowyer.
Alex Mcleish signed Bowyer for Blues as a player and they have become friends.
But Mcleish (bottom) says: “Over the years you’ve seen Bowyer get involved in boxing matches with his team-mates.
“Remember that one on the pitch at Newcastle?
“Once or twice it’s gone on in the dressing room as well.
“He’s a winner with a winner’s mentality.”
The Newcastle bust-up was in 2005 when Bowyer and team-mate Kieron Dyer had an on-pitch brawl during the game with Aston Villa.
Bowyer (top) was fined £30,000 by the FA and banned for six games, plus he received a club fine.
The police got involved and Bowyer was fined a further £600, plus £1,000 costs.
In his 18-year playing career, Bowyer won only one trophy and that was with Birmingham when they shocked Arsenal 10 years ago and won the League Cup.
Mcleish said: “He was one of the good leaders I had in the dressing room, not afraid to voice an opinion.
“I was happy to listen to the senior lads when they had something to say.
“When you meet Lee he is very softly spoken and very calm. A wee bit different to the persona he had on the field.
“I left Lee out against Manchester United because I wanted him for the League Cup semi-final second leg with West Ham in the midweek.
“He had a bit of a rant about it, demanding to know why I left him out.
“This was in the dressing room and I pulled Lee aside and said ,‘A bit of respect. Come and see me afterwards.’
“Then I explained that I needed his legs for Wednesday against West Ham and Lee calmed down when he knew he was playing that game.
“And by God he had a great game.
“He was older but he still had that timing of his brilliant running and caused defences havoc.
“It was amazing to get Lee Bowyer because he was one of the great pioneers of that kind of player. Frank Lampard comes to mind, an incredibly effective player in modern-day football.” Bowyer invited Mcleish to
Charlton games when he was boss there but he has a battle to keep Blues in the Championship.
They are in the middle of a demanding run against promotion-chasing teams with Swansea and Brentford their next two games.
“When I saw the fixtures I put my hands to my eyes to hide,” says Mcleish.
“Rotherham having four games on Birmingham, that’s a bit concerning as well. But knowing Lee he will be relishing the challenge.
“When the fans get back into St Andrew’s they will connect with Lee straight away.
“Birmingham fans have a great passion and they have been waiting a long time to get this type of gaffer.
“They have tried some coaches from abroad but it’s not worked out and hopefully Lee can get the Blues to a higher plain.
“It’s a great club in a big city and deserves better.”