Birmingham City: Lee Bowyer promises he's a new man
Jan 17 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail
LEE Bowyer has revealed that he rejected a transfer to Blues first time round in June 2005 because of unfinished business elsewhere.
The then manager Steve Bruce’s pursuit of Bowyer, who was with Newcastle United, was controversial.
Anti and pro-Bowyer factions formed among supporters and a debate raged for several days.
Co-owner David Sullivan claimed Bowyer was wary of a backlash, so joined West Ham United instead.
The midfielder revealed: “I spoke to Steve Bruce, to be fair, but once West Ham came in, there was no chance really.
“Basically, I had unfinished business.
‘‘I went to West Ham because I was there for six months before [after leaving Leeds United], and I had an absolute nightmare.
“I was injured and that’s the club I supported as a kid.
“So I felt I had unfinished business because no one saw what I could actually do.
“I had the chance to go back and I wanted to do that for myself and the fans, to show them what they missed out on the time before.”
In fact, the vast majority of Blues fans wanted Bowyer at the club.
A poll in the Birmingham Mail showed a whopping 94 per cent in favour.
