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Lee Bowyer sacked by Birmingham leaving club in crisis with just 12 players and no assistant just weeks before season

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LEE BOWYER has been sacked by Birmingham City with the club set to replace him with ex-QPR assistant manager John Eustace.

Bowyer has been “waiting for the sack” according to pals and the split is coming as the squad prepare for the new season.

Bowyer leaves St Andrews after 16 months in charge of the Championship outfitCredit: PA

Blues have been involved in takeover talks and Bowyer was unhappy with his position after learning there were limited funds – and the potential owners wanted a new man.

Bowyer is due money as a settlement and it is dropping as he enters a new campaign. However, this six-figure sum will have to be settled.

The former Leeds United midfield took over from Aitor Karanka in March 2021.

Last season he led Birmingham to 20th in the Championship in his first full term in charge.

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A club statement reads: “Birmingham City has today parted company with head coach Lee Bowyer.

“The Board of Directors believe this to be the necessary course of action and have acted swiftly ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

“Despite a promising start to the campaign, results fell below expectations as the season progressed and the Board feel that a change in management is in the best interests of the Football Club at this pivotal stage.

“The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Lee for all of his efforts during his time at the Club.

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“As a player and as a Head Coach, Lee’s commitment and dedication was never in question and we will always be thankful for his contribution both on the pitch and in the dugout.

“He will always be welcomed back to St. Andrew’s.

“Along with his departure, Goalkeeper Coach, Andy Marshall, has also left the Football Club. We thank Andy for his efforts and wish him every success moving forward.

“A replacement Head Coach and support staff will be confirmed in due course.”

The club has been mired in off-the-pitch issues in recent weeks as a controversial takeover continues to take place.

Prospective new owner Laurence Bassini has spoken openly about finding a different manager while Bowyer was still in place.

Ex-Watford owner Bassini reportedly wanted Mark Warburton to take over, but the former QPR manager has since joined the coaching staff at West Ham.

On the pitch and Birmingham has lost both staff and key players, leaving them with just 12 first-teamers ahead of the season.

Bowyer’s assistant Mark Kennedy has left to join Lincoln City, leaving the boss without a No.2 ahead of pre-season.

Important players from last season Kristian Pedersen and Jeremie Bela have already left, while loan players Lyle Taylor, Teden Mengi, Onel Hernandez and Matija Sarkic have returned to their parent clubs.

Birmingham’s first game of the season is at the end of the month at Luton on July 30.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

Tagcloud: ChampionshipEFLFootball

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