Ex-United star Bowyer takes lead from Sir Bobby’s tactical approach as he takes over as boss of Charlton
NEWLY appointed Charlton Athletic caretaker manager Lee Bowyer hopes to emulate Sir Bobby Robson, the manager who brought him to Newcastle United. Bowyer has been put in charge of the Addicks until the end of the season and admitted he has a wealth of experienced managers to learn from – including the late Sir Bobby.
It was back in July 2003 when Sir Bobby snapped up Bowyer on a free transfer from West Ham United and the pair worked together for the next 12 months before Newcastle sacked the Toon boss in August 2004. When he asked who he would like to emulate as manager, Bowyer highlighted Robson and his tactical approach to the game.
“George Graham was good for me as a player,” he told Charlton Athletic’s club website.
“Terry Venables and Sir Bobby Robson were tactically exceptional. Curbs (Alan Curbishley) and Gritty (Steve Gritt) gave me my opportunity here so I owe them a lot. Every manager is good in different ways.”
Bowyer stayed on Tyneside for three years and is perhaps best remembered for his on-field fight with team-mate Kieron Dyer in April 2005 under then-manager Graeme Souness.
When speaking about previous bosses, there was no mention of Souness.
“I’ve worked with five, six
international managers. If I learnt nothing from them, then what have I been doing my whole career?” he said.
“I’ve played with players, I don’t know how many international players, but a hell of a lot of unbelievable players.
“You learn from players on the pitch that you play with, play against.
“That’s what I’ve been doing (since returning to Charlton), passing on knowledge, not just from me as a player but from players I’ve played with, players I’ve played against. If there is something one of our midfielders can bring into a game that I couldn’t cope with as a player, when someone was doing something to me, then I am going to pass on that knowledge to the players I have in that squad.
“I’ve learnt from managers, the way they handle things.
“Some managers would scream and shout, some managers wouldn’t. These are small things I’ve learnt from managers that I’ve worked under that I’ve taken on board as a player at the time and now I have all this knowledge and tips.
“Some things weren’t right that I’ve felt a manager has done and I won’t use those things. The things that I’ve felt were right I will use as a manager now for sure.”