Bowyer shows respect for Birmingham fans after another troubled season
LEE Bowyer spoke with Birmingham City supporters gathered outside St Andrew’s before the final home match of another difficult campaign.
A group of Blues fans collected on the Kop side of the ground where banners protesting about the club’s owners and Xuandong Ren were once again in evidence.
The Blues chief executive has been the subject of regular displays of opposition from supporters disgruntled at his management of the club.
The Blues have been in regular relegation battles, seen a succession of managers come and go, had points deducted and sold their stadium in a tumultuous few years at the club.
As a result banners have become a regular sight at games, even as Bowyer guided the team away from the Championship danger zone.
The head coach has been able to do that with no fans inside the stadium and limited opportunities to communicate directly.
But before Saturday’s defeat to Cardiff City, he and assistant Craig
Gardner went out to meet a group of supporters to thank them for their backing.
“There were a few that turned up outside, from what I believe to show their appreciation to the players and staff for what they have done this year and get safety with two games to go,” Bowyer said.
“Myself included in that obviously.
“Because they were outside singing the right thing to do then is go and show our appreciation to them, it’s respect you know.
“It was great to hear them singing, the few that were out there.
“It brought back some memories for me. I can’t wait until they are back in the stadium – a lot more of them.”
The pandemic has meant Bowyer has yet to manage the team in front of Blues supporters, with the hope that the opening game of next season will be the first time.