CROFTS TIPS PAL LEE TO HIT HEIGHTS AS MANAGER
FORMER Charlton midfielder Andrew Crofts has witnessed first-hand Lee Bowyer’s coaching qualities after the pair trained for their licences together – and is tipping him for the top.
Crofts’ one and only season at The Valley came in 2016/17, during one of the most turbulent times in the club’s history.
Already in the latter stages of his career, the now 35-year-old became Mr.Reliable for the season and managed 51 appearances in all competitions as Charlton stuttered to a 13th-place finish in League One.
However, since Bowyer took over things have been looking up around The Valley, largely thanks to the return of Championship football this season. And Crofts reckons his classmate is destined for great things.
“I was chuffed when I saw Lee was on the same year as me, we would meet up three or four times a year to do different badges and I spent a fair bit of time with him,” said Crofts, who completed his A-licence with Bowyer and the Welsh FA.
“I really believe he is destined for some top jobs in the future because of the success he has shown so early in his career with Charlton.
“He was always a natural leader on the pitch and led by example. He was a grafter and a top player but, more than anything, he is an honest man and I think that comes across in his management style.
“I think he’d be the first to admit that he wasn’t 100 per cent convinced he wanted to go in for management and then the opportunity to be caretaker came up and he hasn’t looked back since.
“I know a lot of the lads at Charlton speak very highly of Lee - the club was going through a really hard time so he deserves all the praise that he is getting.”
Crofts began his career at Gillingham where he spent nine years, having made his first appearances as a 16-year-old, before going on join Brighton.
The combative midfielder spent just one season at the Withdean before joining Norwich, where he played his only season of top-flight football in 2011-12 before returning to the south coast with Brighton.
Two serious knee injuries saw Crofts miss a large bulk of his four years back at Brighton but instead of letting his head drop, he rose to the challenge of recovery.
“It was so tough but I think that to go through different challenges and different obstacles makes you appreciate being a footballer more - there are so many people that want to do it,” he said.
“Seeing the lads going out and playing while you are in rehab, it almost makes you jealous but also really determined, too.”
The Welsh international played his last game for the Seagulls in 2016 but has since returned for a third spell as an U23 coach after realising that he wanted to follow in Bowyer’s footsteps and take the plunge into management.
“Once I got over 30 I started to think more about coaching in the future and I have a young boy that loves playing football so that has encouraged me, too,” he added.
“It is something I’ve really got the bug for now and I can’t wait to learn and absorb as much as I can from the staff at Brighton.”