Birmingham City have sacked Aitor Karanka and swiftly replaced the Spaniard with Lee Bowyer as their new manager.
Karanka’s departure comes as Birmingham sit three points above the relegation zone following a run of just 12 points in 14 league games in 2021.
Bowyer then was announced as Karanka’s replacement within half a hour with the ex Charlton boss signing a two-and-a-half year contract at St Andrew’s Stadium until June 2023.
Speaking on his appointment after having previously played for the Royal Blues, Bowyer said: “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.”
Bowyer also noted the low morale amongst players and staff, commenting: “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.”
With just ten games left this season and a home game against Reading tomorrow evening (17 March), Bowyer has spoken of the need to ‘implement what I want very quickly’ despite having a good base to build from as the club moves forward.
Absence of fans however is something that Bowyer is ‘gutted’ about given the club’s precarious Championship status, because the ‘unreal atmosphere’ of fans in stadiums have often been crucial motivation for clubs fighting to avoid relegation.
The 44 year-old however has iterated that it is important that the team is able to ‘pull together’ to ensure survival, in order to allow fans to return next season and appreciate their efforts to have secured safety.
Birmingham City CEO, Dong Ren placed his welcomes to Bowyer on record with the manager having been on their ‘radar’ for a while, given his experience as a former player for the club and belief that he can take the Club forward beyond this season.
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