Friday, June 09, 2006
Bowyer returns
In a move that has stunned the Upton Park faithful, Alan Pardew has brought back controversial midfielder Lee Bowyer from Newcastle for a reported fee of £750,000.
Pardew has defended his decision, saying, "In some quarters it will be regarded as a controversial signing because Lee has had disciplinary problems in the past - both on and off the pitch. But he has matured as a player and as a person. My scouts tell me he was Newcastle's best player in the last three months of the season. I played with Lee at Charlton and I know the outstanding ability he has. Up to now he hasn't achieved what he should have achieved. But he still has time - and I am hoping that he will realise his full potential at West Ham."
Bowyer, a self-confessed West Ham fan, was originally signed by Glenn Roeder in January 2003 when the club was attempting to stave off relegation. As history relates, the club went down and Bowyer was quickly unloaded after an unsuccessful six months with the Londoners.
Pardew said, "It is well known that he was carrying an ankle injury the last time he played for West Ham, but the lad and his family have always been Hammers fans and he wanted to help the club - who were then bottom of the league - out of their predicament."
It's also difficult to look past Bowyer's dubious history, but Pardew reckons he's a changed man. "All those incidents that Lee has been involved with down the years have taught him lessons and everyone deserves another chance. I will not tolerate any other incidents, he now needs to have a clean bill of health. We had a fantastic disciplinary record last season. Lee needs to understand they are the standards we have set - and I expect him to abide by them."
Bowyer himself says, "I am desperate to do well for West Ham. I loved my time at Newcastle but this is my Club. I didn't play well last time. I had a bad ankle injury and kept playing on it which was to nobody's benefit. I see this as unfinished business - I want to show the Hammers fans what I can do. When Alan Pardew came in for me there was never going to be any other outcome."
whubris said...Incidentally I watched a bit of the replay last night - the first half hour. Thought Kalac did dreadfully for the OG, what did he expect from a free kick in that position except a glancing header? Never mind it came off one of our lads, he was poorly positioned anyway. Sorry, mate, but Mark's got the #1. Also, our first goal was a bit flukey. Their right back was out of position and it was lucky the ball even made it to Sterjovski. Still, he scored, and that's good. Other than that I thought it was a pretty ordinary affair, we looked like we just wanted to cruise through, which is probably right. Liechtenstein looked like a poor A-League side, but put in a good effort. The Aussies just didn't bother to show up. You could see it in the way they played, their first touch, their general attitude - I don't blame them, it was really just a warm up. Anyone who tells you otherwise wasn't watching...
said...This move certainly helps the depth of the team. West Ham's official site is listing it as a free transfer with a sell-on clause. Plus the official site says that he took a pay cut. That seems like a pretty good deal.
The only question is where does he play?
If he is going to get consistent playing time, then Mullins is the one who is going to lose out.
But does it mean Bowyer will replace Mullins in the DM role? Or does it mean that Bowyer slides into the RM spot, Youssi becomes the CM and Nigel drops back into the DM.
said...I should imagine that he will be cover for NRC, we will have alot of games next season and NRC will need to be rested alot so he should get a good few games
beggers said...Don't like him. he's had his chance and he blew it. Well past his best I reckon, not that I ever really rated him anyway. Hope he proves me wrong, but it feels like Dirty Don all over again too me.
whubris said...For me it puts a small question mark over Pardew, and I hope they both prove me wrong.
He's cheap, yeah, so it could turn out to be a very astute move. Depending on his wages of course.
Guessing he'll be playing with NRC in the middle, or on the right wing in a 4-4-1-1 with Yossi in the hole.
