Birmingham City star Lee Bowyer opens sports pitch at school
Dec 5 2009 by Edward Chadwick, Birmingham Mail
HE HAS endured his fair share of on-the-field controversies, but for once Blues midfielder Lee Bowyer was the referee.
The 32-year-old visited kids at Wyndhurst Primary School in the shadow of St Andrew’s to mark the opening of its artificial sports pitch.
The state-of-the-art surface will mean that inner city pupils can take part in games lessons whatever the weather.
Coaches from the Blues’ Community Trust scheme will put youngsters through their paces during weekly sessions on the pitch.
To mark the unveiling of the pitch, Bowyer was invited to take on the role of the ref and officiate a game between two teams of youngsters.
Despite his bad boy image, he has established himself as a favourite among Blues fans since making his move from West Ham and netted four goals so far this season.
“I feel sorry for referees because it’s such a hard job,” he said.
“I have always appreciated what they do but it can be hard to show that sometimes when the adrenaline is rushing and there’s so much at stake. They are human and they make mistakes like the rest of us so I think it’s alright to shout and appeal as long as you do it in the right manner.
“I really enjoyed the chance to referee the game and all the kids had big smiles on their faces.”
And he earned praise from former Premier League official Vic Callow, who is now a player liaison officer for Birmingham City. Mr Callow, who retired in 1994, said: “I thought he did very well but he was a bit shy of using his whistle.”
