Birmingham City have announced that Aitor Karanka has “stepped down” as manager and have swiftly appointed ex-Charlton manager Lee Bowyer on a contract that will run until June 2023.
The club have also confirmed in that Bowyer was present at the club’s Trillion Trophy Training Centre this morning getting to know the squad in preparation for the Blue’s upcoming fixtures.
Former Birmingham midfielder Bowyer has said his first target is to “lift” the morale of the squad as he aims to keep the club in the Championship for next season.
“I’ve already seen some of the old faces from when I was here last and I’m just really looking forward to getting to work. Said Bowyer
“My priority is to lift everybody. Not just the players, the staff as well. It seems like it’s not been in a very good place, so I’ve got to lift them.
“I’ve got to try and implement what I want very quickly. The team will improve, I have no doubt about that but we already have a good base to work with.
“I’m gutted the fans aren’t here because I know the part they would play. When I was here as a player it was an unreal atmosphere. I know how important they are but unfortunately we can’t change that.
“We have to pull together as a Club to make sure we are in this division next season so the fans can come back and appreciate what we do in this short space of time.”
Dong Ren, Birmingham’s CEO, has told supporters that the club have had Bowyer on their “radar for some time.”
“I would like to welcome Lee to Birmingham City Football Club. Said Ren
“He is a coach who has been on our radar for some time now and as a former player he knows exactly what it means to be a part of this Football Club.
The club see Bowyer as a manager capable of achieving their “short-term” ambition which is to pull away from the relegation, and “the future” of club hence his two-and-a-half-year deal.
“We believe he is the man to take us forward, initially in achieving our short-term goal of staying in the Championship and then further into the future as well. Added Ren
“We are delighted that Lee has joined us at this important stage of the season and we are all committed to ensuring that he and the team are a success.”
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