RUMOUR - Lee Bowyer

[Starfish]

Irish newspaper (Evening Herald) so I have (unfortunately) no link.

Whereto for Bowyer?
by Colm McGennis

He's 32 and he has sure had his share of ups and downs. A career that started way back in the early 1990's with Charlton, he flirted with controversy even then but although he failed a drug test at his first professional club, he still went on to be a success there. Brought to Leeds by Howard Wilkinson for a (then) record fee for an English teenager, this is the time he looks back on most fondly. "Leeds was a good time. I know that I was also in the papers for the wrong reasons but I managed to put that behind me and get down to what I love most - playing football." Bowyer made over 200 appearances for the West Yorkshire Whites, and was twice voted supporters player of the year. "The Champions League run is what most people remember about that time and, I have to say, it was a great thing for me personally too." Bowyer scored crucial goals against AC Milan, Anderlecht, and Barcelona and in September 2002, made his only (brief) appearance for England. Does he have any regrets that he didn't play more often at international level? "I suppose so. I played quite a bit at U-21 level and I always dreamed of representing England at the World Cup, scoring the winner against Brazil, that kind of thing but it wasn't to be. I'm just glad I got the chance to play for my country at all - kids dream of that kind of thing and I actually got to do it!"

But what lies ahead for Bowyer now? After two spells with West Ham and an ill-fated time with Newcastle United, he went on loan to Birmingham last season and proved a success there but he doesn't think it likely he will stay with The Blues next season. "I have a house in London and the time with Brum was great, especially getting promoted and all but I expect to play closer to home next season." One of the clubs he spoke about moving to was Reading. "There has been contact but I don't know what he (new coach Brendan Rodgers) thinks about it. They're an ambitious club and I would love to help them get back into the top flight." A return to Charlton has also been mentioned in the papers as of late and a coaching role there is also something that he finds attractive. "Yeah, I've been through a lot and I think I could offer a lot of advice to younger players and kids starting out. Help them avoid making the mistakes I made." And does he worry about the reception he might receive from fans at Reading, Charlton or Watford? "You get used to that. But fans will accept you if you give 100% and help the club move forward and that's what I have always tried to do in my career."

[Kitson12]

Please dear god no!

[winchester_royal]

A good player who will offer experience to a young group of players. If Gunnar doesn't stay then he wouldn't be the worst signing.

[W&E Royal]

Well up for that, clearly a very good player.

[The Surgeon of Crowthorne]

I really, really would not be happy at the thought of him turning out for us.

[Royalee]

No fanks.

[Wycombe Royal]

He could be a good acquisition and it is no surprise that Birmingham's form was better with him in their midfield.

[Barry the bird boggler]

Generally a good player and we certainly could sign worse.

Given that a fair few of our youngsters will make the breakthrough next season we'll need a few experienced and proven players around the place and Lee is certainly worth consideration in my view.

Would also help maintain a high profile for the club which in turn would be helpful in attracting other players.

Personally don't think it'll happen though as WCBAP

[rg6royal]

yeah offer him a year contract, may as well.

[gazzer, loyal royal]

the lad has changed and still has a lot to offer at this level

we could a lot worse signings and if he could get back to his leeds days when he used to ghost in off the left wing he could be a mighty good signing

remember the guy nearly signed for liverpool for £11m

[Stranded]

Very good player for this level but would certainly come with baggage.

[Ian Royal]

Good player, but towards the end of his career and he is an utter cock.

No thanks.

[Deathy]

He could be a good acquisition and it is no surprise that Birmingham's form was better with him in their midfield.

'greed, but Birmingham want him don't they?

[Sun Tzu]

Would rather not sign him, would really struggle to accept someone with his past at the club. Sadly I suspect performances on the ptich may win me over a bit.

Can;t see it happening though, and wouldn't be unhappy to avoid the dilemma.

[RobRoyal]

Ah, so that's why we let Doobs go.

[Arch]

Ah, so that's why we let Doobs go.

He's the kind of player we maybe should have signed at some stage in the last couple of seasons. Could bring some vertebrae to a pretty spineless team.

[prostak]

Won't happen. Wages will be too high, Madejski wouldn't sanction a move for such a prominent twat either.

[Big Ern]

WCBAP

[Friday's Child]

Yes please.

[Millsy]

Racist thug.

I hope he breaks both his legs.