Posted: Mar 15, 2021 | Updated: 1 year ago
Sometimes you can see the writing on the wall. The best soccer tipsters in the world wouldn’t put huge odds on something that was bound to happen – even though when it does everyone feels it’s a bit of a shame.
Such is the case of Lee Bowyer, now ex-manager of Charlton Athletic. He had been at the club for almost three years but, it seems, it is time for a change at Charlton Athletic. Initially put in place as a caretaker in 2018 it only took Bowyer six months to prove himself and to be offered the permanent appointment.
Yet there are still questions, the first and foremost being, of course, why? After all, he had more than two years of his contract left, which should have seen him stay with the club up to the summer of 2023. Football prediction sites are all asking the same question, but Bowyer is currently being a little coy.
“It was a difficult decision to leave,” Bowyer has admitted. “Everyone knows how I feel about the club. 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.”
There are eleven games left this season and Charlton are two points of the play-offs, currently in eighth place in the league. So, this is a pretty respectable position to be in right here, right now – the writing was hardly on the wall for Bowyer. Plus he has previously overseen their promotion back in 2019 (seems so long ago now, the pre-lockdown world!) after they beat Sunderland at a Wembley play-off.
Some might argue that it is that they were relegated after their very first season after their return to the Championship. Others might say that the multiple changes of ownership since he took up his position would leave even the seemingly most secure roles at a club potentially threatened at a whim.
Others again might say that they can hear Brummie accents in the background. The rumour mill has it that Bowyer has been heavily linked with Birmingham, which of course is his further club. Aitor Karanka, the current manager has recently been in the firing line (perhaps literally) because of Birmingham’s poor performances in the championship. Perhaps there has been an offer made, one that he couldn’t refuse… we will discover whether that is true or not at some point over the next few days but at the moment it is simply speculation. To be, or not to be: that is the question. Shakespeare aside, we’ll get the answer soon enough.
In the meantime, current owner Thomas Sandgaard has released a statement saying “I would like to thank Lee for everything he has done for Charlton. I have enjoyed working with him and wish him the best for his future. Our focus now is on finding the correct replacement to take this club forward.” Until that happens, Johnnie Jackson, who was Bowyer’s assistant will step in.
Sports betting has seemingly permeated every aspect of life at this point. We see ads all the time for sports betting, but it really has been a natural part of sports for a long time. Now, it is just more widely accepted with soccer picks. If you haven’t quite joined…
Continue Reading...
Gary Neville is a former professional footballer, football coach, and television pundit. He is best known for his successful career with Manchester United and the England national team. Following his retirement from playing, Neville ventured into football punditry and coaching, adding to his wealth over the years.
Continue Reading...
With the end of season run-in ramping up, the footballing world has hit the speed bump that is the March international break. The March international always draw intense debate upon their necessity, with many fans asking: is it necessary to halt domestic and european action for meaningless friendlies? There is…
Continue Reading...
19 years of hurt, never stopped them dreaming. Next month marks the 20-year anniversary of San Marino’s last victory. Andy Selva curled home a stunning free kick to seal a 1-0 win against Liechtenstein in Serravalle in front of a delirious Sammarinese crowd of 200 on 28th April 2004. FIFA…
Continue Reading...
Following a cinematic weekend of FA Cup action, the country is as gripped as it has ever recently been on the historic competition. But how long will that last with the upcoming TV deal that looks set to change everything?
Continue Reading...
Manchester City have approached Guimaraes representatives over a potential move. The 26-year-old has made a name for himself at St James Park since arriving from Lyon in January 2022. Guimaraes has made 96 appearances for Newcastle United where he has found the back of the net 13 times and has…
Continue Reading...
There were times at Manchester United when supporting the club was a bed of roses. These days it is agony and despair every other week. The mentality of players which existed during the time of Sir Alex Ferguson has taken a nosedive since his departure. Not only the players, but…
Continue Reading...