Birmingham City have appointed Lee Bowyer as the club’s new manager. Bowyer replaces Aitor Karanka who was sacked after Saturday’s home defeat to Bristol City.
Bowyer leaves his role as Charlton Athletic to take over the reigns at his former club. He leaves the Valley after three years in charge with the Addicks now set to begin their search for his replacement.
Bowyer inherits a desperately struggling Birmingham City side who are in real trouble at the wrong end of the Championship. He will be tasked with ensuring the Blues remain a Championship side.
Birmingham City Appoint Lee Bowyer as the Club’s New Manager
Survival is the Objective for Bowyer
Birmingham currently sit 21st in the Championship table, three points clear of the relegation zone. However, relegation is a real threat to the club especially because Rotherham United who sit 22nd have four games in hand on the Blues.
Bowyer must hit the ground running immediately. The Blues are in desperate need of some momentum and confidence ahead of crucial final ten games of the season.
Winning games have proven a problem for Birmingham City. Only Wycombe Wanderers have fewer wins than Birmingham’s eight this campaign. Winning football matches will be imperative to the Blues’ chances of survival. However, instilling a winning mentality is easier said then done. Goals are a problem too, their top scorer Scott Hogan has just six league goals.
Bowyer’s first game in charge will a crucial home clash with promotion hopefuls Reading on Wednesday evening. A great chance for the Blues to build up some confidence and stop the rot at St Andrews. They also have chance to do the double over the Royals having won at the Madjeski Stadium back in December.
Charlton Will Start Their Search for Bowyer’s Replacement
With Bowyer exiting after three years in charge, Charlton are now on the hunt for his replacement as they eye an instant return to the Championship.
This will be Thomas Sandgaard’s first managerial appointment since his took over the club late last year. He stuck by Bowyer and will look to make the right appointment with the Addicks very much in the promotion race.
With so much football still to be played in League One, this will be a vital appointment at this stage of the season. Bowyer’s former assistant manager Johnnie Jackson will oversee the Addicks’ clash with Bristol Rovers on Tuesday evening. Its unclear at this stage how long he will take caretaker charge but its a great chance for Jackson to showcase his credentials.
