LEE WILL MAKE A FIST OF SAVING BLUES
BIRMINGHAM players have been warned to take no liberties with tough new boss Lee Bowyer.
Alex Mcleish signed Bowyer for Blues as a player and they have become firm friends.
But Mcleish says: “Over the years you’ve seen Bowyer get involved in boxing matches with his team-mates. Remember that one on the pitch at Newcastle?
“Once or twice it’s gone on in the dressing room as well. He’s a winner with a winner’s mentality.” The Newcastle bust-up came in 2005 when Bowyer and Kieron Dyer had an on-pitch brawl during a match against Aston Villa.
Bowyer was fined £30,000 by the FA and banned for six weeks plus copping a club fine.
In his 18-year, six-club playing career, Bowyer won only one trophy – and that was with Birmingham when they shocked Arsenal 10 years ago to win the League Cup. Former Blues boss
Mcleish signed Bowyer from West Ham and says: “When you meet Lee he is very softly spoken and very calm. A wee bit different to the persona he had on the field.”
Bowyer has a battle to keep Birmingham in the Championship.
They are in the middle of a demanding run against promotionchasing teams with Swansea and Brentford their next two games.
“When I saw the fixtures I put my hands to my eyes to hide,” says Mcleish. “Rotherham having four games on Birmingham, that’s a bit concerning as well.
“But knowing Lee he will be relishing the challenge.
“When the fans get back into St Andrew’s they will connect with Lee straight away. Birmingham fans have a great passion and they have been waiting a long time to get this type of gaffer.
“They have tried some coaches from abroad but it’s not worked out and hopefully Lee can get the Blues to a higher plain.”