Bowyer set to play for Blues

July 8, 2009

English midfielder Lee Bowyer, could become Birmingham City’s latest and seventh signing of the summer.

The former Leeds United player is set to join the Blues from West Ham on a free transfer, following a successful loan spell at St Andrew’s during the second half of last season.

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has focused in bringing veterans to his central field after blooding in new players up front and in defence.

With the manager impressed by the player’s impact in helping to City return to thePremier League at the first attempt, the move couldn’t have been far away and McLeish confirmed the player’s allegiance to the City’s cause.

McLeish confirmed: “I don’t know if the Is and Ts have been formally dotted and crossed but Lee has pledged his allegiance to Birmingham.”

“He will become a permanent Birmingham player and a worthy addition to our squad. He did well for us last season.”

While Bowyer has been involved in his fair share of controversy during his career but his experience would be invaluable in helping Birmingham’s bid to become established in the top flight.

Stephen Carr, Scott Dann, Roger Johnson, Joe Hart, Giovanny Espinoza and record signing Christian Benitez have all joined Blues during the close season.

And McLeish intimated he has been promised further backing by the board.

He said: “I have several names in mind for the crucial midfield positions.”

“I know what I am looking for in the team and the board have pledged their support to back me in this.”

By: Abhimanyu Rajput

Tags: alex mcleish, allegiance, Birmingham, birmingham city, blooding, christian benitez, controversy, English Premier League, espinoza, fair share, giovanny, Joe Hart, Lee, Lee Bowyer, LEEDS, leeds united, midfielder, rajput, Roger Johnson, Scott Dann, st andrew, stephen carr, top flight, west ham, worthy addition

Wenger makes his point with customary elegance

May 22, 2009

“Highly intelligent” and “Arsene Wenger” sit neatly together in countless newspaper columns outlining the exploits, achievements and travails of the cerebral Arsenal manager.

Consequently there was no elaborate deconstruction required following an interview with a French television channel at the club’s training ground this week.

Wenger, who habitually brushes aside any question of his allegiance to the north London club, was asked his thoughts about yet another approach from Real Madrid if Florentino Perez returns as president.

“With Florentino Perez in charge, the project he has put forward would be interesting for any coach but I would prefer not to comment on this,” Wenger replied.

Wenger was fully aware that he had already commented. His response followed a sometimes acrimonious question-and-answer session with the Arsenal shareholders on the previous night and grumbling among fans who have been forced to absorb higher season ticket prices during a fourth consecutive season without a trophy.

The prospect of Wenger defecting to the Bernabeu after 13 years at Arsenal inspired an instant response in north London and one gratifying to the many supporters of a sensitive man committed to his vision of the beautiful game and convinced that style and success are not mutually exclusive. The group Redaction has mobilised a march of supporters for Sunday’s home match against Stoke and online petitions backing Wenger have been launched.

Wenger met Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis on Wednesday and was diplomacy personified afterwards. “There’s nothing to worry about,” he said. “I’m staying here. If that changes I will let you know, but don’t worry about that. It’s not an issue.”

To the majority of fans a semi-final spot in this season’s Champions League and fourth place in the Premier League, based on frequently brilliant if often brittle football, are no petty achievements. For the uncommitted, Arsenal in full flow are a reminder of the splendour which attracted them to sport in the first place.

The problem is the relentless pressure to succeed which distorts modern sport and has turned football clubs into franchises. Impatient chief executives believe pouring millions into their clubs should ensure success. The reality is more complex than a balance sheet.

If Wenger were to leave, Arsenal would lose a great and committed manager with a proven track record including two league and FA Cup doubles. His captain Cesc Fabregas may very well head to the exits along with a host of other carefully nurtured young talent. And where, then, would the club turn?

No man or manager is infallible. Frank McLintock, captain of the 1971 double-winning Arsenal side, alluded to a stubborn streak in Wenger and the lack of physical strength in the spine of the current team.

“If you do question his policy it can feel a bit like criticising the Pope,” McLintock wrote in the Guardian. “The team needs an immediate injection of power.”

A modern version of the rugged Scotland centre-half would be a start. It should not be beyond the wit of Wenger or the budget of Arsenal.

PHOTO: Arsenal’s manager Arsene Wenger watches during their English Premier League soccer match against Manchester United at Old Trafford in Manchester, May 16, 2009. REUTERS/Phil Noble

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