It’s perfect chemistry and I think he realises that he’s in the best place he could possibly be. If he goes somewhere else and it doesn’t work out he might start getting grief from fans, his past might get dragged up. He doesn’t deserve that and at Charlton it won’t happen. Provided he is signed up I feel he could be with us for a while. Another Curbs maybe. I like to think so.
When he was flashed up on the big screen yesterday whilst the cup was being banded about he seemed to be just aside from the celebrations for a personal moment of reflection. I think he knows that he’s into something good right now and he will want to carry on.
He seems very much in the Curbs mould that when we win he's happy but never gets too euphoric and when we lose he never seems to plunge the depths of depression.
Level headed and realistic.
One thing he mentioned in one of his post match interviews that was very Curbsesque was asking the fourth official, in the aftermath of the winning goal, for the time remaining so he knew if he needed to change shape or make a sub to see the game out.
Reminded me of a photo of Curbs when Danny Mills’ goal went in for the 4-3 at Villa Park in 99. All the staff are going bonkers but Curbs is just stood there tapping his temple and yelling at players to concentrate and think about their jobs in seeing the game out.
I loved the team Powell built but what Bowyer has done is even more impressive.
Only signed frees and loans, some of them after the season had started.
A number of players out of contract/loans ending in the summer.
Starting the season as caretaker and only getting a contract until the end of the season.
The never ending takeover situation and all the other nonsense he must get from working for Roland.
That first game with only five subs and Pratley being thrown in when not fully fit.
Powell built a squad to win promotion. We were excellent defensively, created chances going forward but his team was far more about being solid and effective than exciting. Given investment he may have built on that, though I don't think the style of play would have changed drastically.
One big difference I see is that Bowyer's improved so many players in this squad.
Bowyer's achieved promotion in more difficult circumstances and created a team that play better football. We pass out from the back, but without being too tippy tappy - nothing wrong with going long when the space opens up. We can attack teams or look to keep it tight. He plays two strikers because that works at this level and gets the best out of Taylor, but while using formations that give us numbers in midfield to play a passing game.
Imagine what he could do with an ownership with the same level of ambition, enough wealth to fund the club and an understanding of how to run the club.
I've been dreaming of a Wembley win and a takeover soon after since we knew we couldn't make second. Bowyer, his staff and the team have done all they can now. We need Roland to get the second part done so everyone can move on, himself included, and for Bowyer to get the chance to build on his brilliant work so far.
There's much more to come from Bowyer. We didn't get to build on the momentum created by Powell. I'm desperate for us to avoid missing out on the chance for a second time. So much is already in place for the right owner to come in and build on.
He is the best manager we have had since Curbs, in fact I think he could even be better.
Recruitment, he hasn't bought in a dud, not 1.
Tactics, he is flexible, he wouldn't be so bound to the diamond if he had a winger he trusted.
Motivation, they would and have, run through walls for him.
Coaching every man Jack in the squad has improved this season, I don't think this has been the case since the 97/98 when Robinson et Al improved beyond recognition.
He is the best manager we have had since Curbs, in fact I think he could even be better.
Recruitment, he hasn't bought in a dud, not 1.
Tactics, he is flexible, he wouldn't be so bound to the diamond if he had a winger he trusted.
Motivation, they would and have, run through walls for him.
Coaching every man Jack in the squad has improved this season, I don't think this has been the case since the 97/98 when Robinson et Al improved beyond recognition.
Engagement with the fans, nailed it.
Chris Maxwell... absolute shite, couldnt be bothered to play a single game!!!
Bowyer understands the game at all levels. He understands all the players and not just the compliant ones because he was no angel himself. He is a "street fighter" and every team has to have one of those either on the pitch or on the touch line - but preferably both.
Bowyer did it on the pitch and has proven that he can do it off it too. But he also understands our Club and its fans. And that gives him a hell of an advantage over anyone else coming in.
Roland would do well to take note and sort his contract out before it's too late.
He seems very much in the Curbs mould that when we win he's happy but never gets too euphoric and when we lose he never seems to plunge the depths of depression.
Level headed and realistic.
One thing he mentioned in one of his post match interviews that was very Curbsesque was asking the fourth official, in the aftermath of the winning goal, for the time remaining so he knew if he needed to change shape or make a sub to see the game out.
Reminded me of a photo of Curbs when Danny Mills’ goal went in for the 4-3 at Villa Park in 99. All the staff are going bonkers but Curbs is just stood there tapping his temple and yelling at players to concentrate and think about their jobs in seeing the game out.
Quite a lot of managers are clueless and get caught up in the moment when they are leading and they put on a sub when they are already in the last minute ! Then in most cases at least another 30 seconds will be added and recently a full minute because of the slowness of the player leaving the field. Thankfully Bows didn't fall into this trap as he realized the ref would just play another 20 or so seconds and not add on another 90 where Sunderland may have created one last half chance. The pointless use of subs in the last couple of minutes and needless back passes have always been my bugbear !
He seems very much in the Curbs mould that when we win he's happy but never gets too euphoric and when we lose he never seems to plunge the depths of depression.
Level headed and realistic.
One thing he mentioned in one of his post match interviews that was very Curbsesque was asking the fourth official, in the aftermath of the winning goal, for the time remaining so he knew if he needed to change shape or make a sub to see the game out.
Reminded me of a photo of Curbs when Danny Mills’ goal went in for the 4-3 at Villa Park in 99. All the staff are going bonkers but Curbs is just stood there tapping his temple and yelling at players to concentrate and think about their jobs in seeing the game out.
Quite a lot of managers are clueless and get caught up in the moment when they are leading and they put on a sub when they are already in the last minute ! Then in most cases at least another 30 seconds will be added and recently a full minute because of the slowness of the player leaving the field. Thankfully Bows didn't fall into this trap as he realized the ref would just play another 20 or so seconds and not add on another 90 where Sunderland may have created one last half chance. The pointless use of subs in the last couple of minutes and needless pass backs have always been my bugbear !
I was thinking more that a lot of managers might have gone tearing off down the touch line or been leaping around like a lunatic. And I think you’d forgive them for being overwhelmed by the moment. Bowyer did start to go but then caught himself, stayed in his technical area and immediately thought about what the goal meant for our approach to the rest of the game. That’s coolness under pressure and leadership, right there.
Lee Bowyer is nothing short of a genius. From day 1 when he took over as caretaker manager he made a statement that he would get us in the play offs in which he did when we had no right too. First full season he waited to sign the right players in Cullen and Bileck, brought out the best in Aribo, has made Taylor the complete forward with goals and assists. Brought in younger players such as George and Albie, some may say he was forced to but still rotated them and keep them in the squad. Dealt with Fosu and Ajose in a ruthless manner. Has turned Sarr into a fantastic centre back, as Dijksteel as a full back sticking with them both when he could brought back Pearce and Solly. Jed Steer a great signing, boosted his confidence in which enabled him to get a recall to Villa and they have won promotion. Gave Phillips his chance, but at the same time told him to wait when Steer was here. Turned Grant from a fringe player to a premiership player. Sending him out on loan to Crawley bringing him back and watching him flourish. Tactically astute using a diamond then a 3 5 2 for the opposition. Rotating players prime example is bringing Pearce back against Wycombe and he pops up to score a winner. Stopping the 28 game run of Luton and smashing them. Getting Igor back to himself. JFK was involved in around the team as well as Page after there long combacks from injury. Ben Purrington, what a find he turned out to be. Bringing in Jonny Williams to the club, a Palace legend could have crack fired but from day one Bowyer asked us to get behind him and we got the rewards. The togetherness he has brought to the club he has given us back the club we loved, got the place buzzing again. This team has been built on loans and free transfers. Chris Powell had a bigger transfer fund as well as salary budget in which enabled him to buy some excellent first division players/ very good championship players. However that team never won games in a fashion that this team have, with the higher score lines and clean sheets this got us to the third position in the table, and Bowyer told the players that they need four against Rochdale and they did it. None of this luck, it’s about a man who has learnt from some excellent managers in his time as a player and used his knowledge to pass it onto the team. Calm and passionate who you know will fight your corner in public but will no doubt tell you home truths behind closed doors. Lee Bowyer has given me one of my best seasons and days out in which is why he now is a legend at the club.
Last person on earth I thought would be suited to be a manager but thankfully I was wrong. RD had treated him shamefully - be gutted if he doesn't stay.
Great to read the praise that is heaped on Bow in this thread, he simply gets the DNA of Charlton, he has bonded a team in spite of the ludicrous ownership, he’s used this absurd situation as motivation not only with his squad but also with us fans.
Never once publicly slating Douchebag or Robinson but maintaining a classy professionalism stance that is extremely credit worthy, considering what we all know of his playing career absolutely astonishing. (99 yellow 4 Reds) still a record I believe.
The few years fishing must have mellowed him loads.
Great manager who has achieved even more than Chris Powell with less money, whilst playing stylish attractive football, CAFC has been a pleasure to watch under Bow this past 18 month, he changed us from his first game in charge and constantly improved from there in, a truly massive achievement to get us promoted from where Robinson left us.
Great to read the praise that is heaped on Bow in this thread, he simply gets the DNA of Charlton, he has bonded a team in spite of the ludicrous ownership, he’s used this absurd situation as motivation not only with his squad but also with us fans.
Never once publicly slating Douchebag or Robinson but maintaining a classy professionalism stance that is extremely credit worthy, considering what we all know of his playing career absolutely astonishing. (99 yellow 4 Reds) still a record I believe.
The few years fishing must have mellowed him loads.
Great manager who has achieved even more than Chris Powell with less money, whilst playing stylish attractive football, CAFC has been a pleasure to watch under Bow this past 18 month, he changed us from his first game in charge and constantly improved from there in, a truly massive achievement to get us promoted from where Robinson left us.
FECK OFF DOUCHEBAG
COYRs
I did enjoy his comment that he learnt from Robinson you need more than one formation though
Great to read the praise that is heaped on Bow in this thread, he simply gets the DNA of Charlton, he has bonded a team in spite of the ludicrous ownership, he’s used this absurd situation as motivation not only with his squad but also with us fans.
Never once publicly slating Douchebag or Robinson but maintaining a classy professionalism stance that is extremely credit worthy, considering what we all know of his playing career absolutely astonishing. (99 yellow 4 Reds) still a record I believe.
The few years fishing must have mellowed him loads.
Great manager who has achieved even more than Chris Powell with less money, whilst playing stylish attractive football, CAFC has been a pleasure to watch under Bow this past 18 month, he changed us from his first game in charge and constantly improved from there in, a truly massive achievement to get us promoted from where Robinson left us.
FECK OFF DOUCHEBAG
COYRs
I did enjoy his comment that he learnt from Robinson you need more than one formation though
As proven on Sunday!!...
Started 3-5-2 in the first half, moment Pearce came on we switched straight to the diamond!!... When Williams came on I was fully expecting Parker to be the one replaced meaning we'd have then gone 4-5-1; great manager as means the opposition will never know exactly how we'll setup until the game starts with the range of player that we have
As Bowyer said after the game, we had such a good run in because we got all our players back - Reckon we would have won the League had we not had the injury problems we did have in the first half of the season!!
Bowyer not only needs to be given his contract, it needs to be concluded in the next few days. There are players he has to persuade to stay and players he has to persuade to come.
Seeing that photo made me immediately think of our win at the Toolbox on 5 December 1995, when Bowyer got sent off halfway through the first half. Curbs wasn't too pleased with Bows at the time.
If Duchatelet fails to tie Bowyer down on a decent contract it will be his biggest mistake since refusing to give Yann the contract that he deserved and there have been a hell of a lot of mistakes in between.
He seems very much in the Curbs mould that when we win he's happy but never gets too euphoric and when we lose he never seems to plunge the depths of depression.
Level headed and realistic.
One thing he mentioned in one of his post match interviews that was very Curbsesque was asking the fourth official, in the aftermath of the winning goal, for the time remaining so he knew if he needed to change shape or make a sub to see the game out.
Reminded me of a photo of Curbs when Danny Mills’ goal went in for the 4-3 at Villa Park in 99. All the staff are going bonkers but Curbs is just stood there tapping his temple and yelling at players to concentrate and think about their jobs in seeing the game out.
Quite a lot of managers are clueless and get caught up in the moment when they are leading and they put on a sub when they are already in the last minute ! Then in most cases at least another 30 seconds will be added and recently a full minute because of the slowness of the player leaving the field. Thankfully Bows didn't fall into this trap as he realized the ref would just play another 20 or so seconds and not add on another 90 where Sunderland may have created one last half chance. The pointless use of subs in the last couple of minutes and needless pass backs have always been my bugbear !
I was thinking more that a lot of managers might have gone tearing off down the touch line or been leaping around like a lunatic. And I think you’d forgive them for being overwhelmed by the moment. Bowyer did start to go but then caught himself, stayed in his technical area and immediately thought about what the goal meant for our approach to the rest of the game. That’s coolness under pressure and leadership, right there.
To be fair the Charlton players celebrated for so long, and then took even longer to get back to their own half that Bowyer had plenty of time to celebrate like a lunatic, then recompose himself
Bowyer. Sometimes when an unexpected phenomena happens it is best not to analyse too much or question it. With some people in all walks of life they don't always know how they do what they do, breaking it down to examine it runs the risk of not being able to put it back together. It might not be possible to compare players at all levels of football, but the comparison of managers at all levels is pretty much justified. What can they do with what they've got, how do they play the hand dealt? My attitude to Bowyer right now is don't especially question it, go with it. He is without doubt one of the very best Charlton managers in my supporting life. Certainly ranks alongside the wonderful Lennie if not edges him, and pushing Powell very hard right now. How he compares with Curbs remains to be seen. If you need to have an idea about where Bowyer ranks alongside others, then contemplate Bowyer v Dowie as an example, where Dowie scores something like an 18 out of a 100.
It's been said before but the job Bowyer has done this season is unreal.
We started the season with barely a squad, 5 players on the bench, a number of them unproven youngsters.
He has improved the squad leaps and bounds whilst spending £0, and almost every player who has signed for us has explicitly stated that Bowyer was one of the key motivations for coming here. Also, every player has improved whilst under him, and the belief he has instilled in the squad has been key to our progress.
On top of that he filled the valley, united the fanbase behind him and his team, got us playing great football again, into the Playoffs which absolutely no-one tipped us for at the start of the season (including a lot of us on here), and beating Sunderland in the final who everyone said would walk the league.
All in his first full year of Management with all sorts going on behind the scenes and the takeover related drama.
That he wasn't Manager of the Season I'll never understand. If we can keep him, the future is bright.
In the semi final, Morgan, who had never played in front of a crowd like that, looked like a rabbit in the headlights. He could of given him 15 minutes at half time, to see if he settled down. This may have been the safe choice. Bowyer hooked him, put on the old stager Darren Pratley.
Play off final. The 3-5-2 just didn't look like it was working. Nabby, who is very much a confidence player, had scored an own goal, and been booked. Bowyer had the courage to make the decision there and then, despite the scores were level, to hook Nabby, put on the warrior Pearce, and change formation.
Not many managers in their first full season would have been that decisive.
Comments
Provided he is signed up I feel he could be with us for a while. Another Curbs maybe. I like to think so.
When he was flashed up on the big screen yesterday whilst the cup was being banded about he seemed to be just aside from the celebrations for a personal moment of reflection. I think he knows that he’s into something good right now and he will want to carry on.
Reminded me of a photo of Curbs when Danny Mills’ goal went in for the 4-3 at Villa Park in 99. All the staff are going bonkers but Curbs is just stood there tapping his temple and yelling at players to concentrate and think about their jobs in seeing the game out.
Only signed frees and loans, some of them after the season had started.
A number of players out of contract/loans ending in the summer.
Starting the season as caretaker and only getting a contract until the end of the season.
The never ending takeover situation and all the other nonsense he must get from working for Roland.
That first game with only five subs and Pratley being thrown in when not fully fit.
Powell built a squad to win promotion. We were excellent defensively, created chances going forward but his team was far more about being solid and effective than exciting. Given investment he may have built on that, though I don't think the style of play would have changed drastically.
One big difference I see is that Bowyer's improved so many players in this squad.
Bowyer's achieved promotion in more difficult circumstances and created a team that play better football. We pass out from the back, but without being too tippy tappy - nothing wrong with going long when the space opens up. We can attack teams or look to keep it tight. He plays two strikers because that works at this level and gets the best out of Taylor, but while using formations that give us numbers in midfield to play a passing game.
Imagine what he could do with an ownership with the same level of ambition, enough wealth to fund the club and an understanding of how to run the club.
I've been dreaming of a Wembley win and a takeover soon after since we knew we couldn't make second. Bowyer, his staff and the team have done all they can now. We need Roland to get the second part done so everyone can move on, himself included, and for Bowyer to get the chance to build on his brilliant work so far.
There's much more to come from Bowyer. We didn't get to build on the momentum created by Powell. I'm desperate for us to avoid missing out on the chance for a second time. So much is already in place for the right owner to come in and build on.
Recruitment, he hasn't bought in a dud, not 1.
Tactics, he is flexible, he wouldn't be so bound to the diamond if he had a winger he trusted.
Motivation, they would and have, run through walls for him.
Coaching every man Jack in the squad has improved this season, I don't think this has been the case since the 97/98 when Robinson et Al improved beyond recognition.
Engagement with the fans, nailed it.
Bowyer did it on the pitch and has proven that he can do it off it too. But he also understands our Club and its fans. And that gives him a hell of an advantage over anyone else coming in.
Roland would do well to take note and sort his contract out before it's too late.
Well put, Scoham.
Thankfully Bows didn't fall into this trap as he realized the ref would just play another 20 or so seconds and not add on another 90 where Sunderland may have created one last half chance.
The pointless use of subs in the last couple of minutes and needless back passes have always been my bugbear !
Same reason why defenders lump clearances into Row Z.
for being overwhelmed by the moment. Bowyer did start to go but then caught himself, stayed in his technical area and immediately thought about what the goal meant for our approach to the rest of the game. That’s coolness under pressure and leadership, right there.
First full season he waited to sign the right players in Cullen and Bileck, brought out the best in Aribo, has made Taylor the complete forward with goals and assists.
Brought in younger players such as George and Albie, some may say he was forced to but still rotated them and keep them in the squad.
Dealt with Fosu and Ajose in a ruthless manner.
Has turned Sarr into a fantastic centre back, as Dijksteel as a full back sticking with them both when he could brought back Pearce and Solly.
Jed Steer a great signing, boosted his confidence in which enabled him to get a recall to Villa and they have won promotion.
Gave Phillips his chance, but at the same time told him to wait when Steer was here.
Turned Grant from a fringe player to a premiership player. Sending him out on loan to Crawley bringing him back and watching him flourish.
Tactically astute using a diamond then a 3 5 2 for the opposition. Rotating players prime example is bringing Pearce back against Wycombe and he pops up to score a winner.
Stopping the 28 game run of Luton and smashing them.
Getting Igor back to himself.
JFK was involved in around the team as well as Page after there long combacks from injury.
Ben Purrington, what a find he turned out to be.
Bringing in Jonny Williams to the club, a Palace legend could have crack fired but from day one Bowyer asked us to get behind him and we got the rewards.
The togetherness he has brought to the club he has given us back the club we loved, got the place buzzing again.
This team has been built on loans and free transfers. Chris Powell had a bigger transfer fund as well as salary budget in which enabled him to buy some excellent first division players/ very good championship players. However that team never won games in a fashion that this team have, with the higher score lines and clean sheets this got us to the third position in the table, and Bowyer told the players that they need four against Rochdale and they did it.
None of this luck, it’s about a man who has learnt from some excellent managers in his time as a player and used his knowledge to pass it onto the team. Calm and passionate who you know will fight your corner in public but will no doubt tell you home truths behind closed doors.
Lee Bowyer has given me one of my best seasons and days out in which is why he now is a legend at the club.
Never once publicly slating Douchebag or Robinson but maintaining a classy professionalism stance that is extremely credit worthy, considering what we all know of his playing career absolutely astonishing. (99 yellow 4 Reds) still a record I believe.
The few years fishing must have mellowed him loads.
Great manager who has achieved even more than Chris Powell with less money, whilst playing stylish attractive football, CAFC has been a pleasure to watch under Bow this past 18 month, he changed us from his first game in charge and constantly improved from there in, a truly massive achievement to get us promoted from where Robinson left us.
FECK OFF DOUCHEBAG
COYRs
Started 3-5-2 in the first half, moment Pearce came on we switched straight to the diamond!!... When Williams came on I was fully expecting Parker to be the one replaced meaning we'd have then gone 4-5-1; great manager as means the opposition will never know exactly how we'll setup until the game starts with the range of player that we have
As Bowyer said after the game, we had such a good run in because we got all our players back - Reckon we would have won the League had we not had the injury problems we did have in the first half of the season!!
Curbs wasn't too pleased with Bows at the time.
However, I don't agree with Longtimeaddicted, that he has achieved even more than Chris Powell.
Powell won the league with more than 100 points and then took us to something like 9th the following season.
My man love for Bowyer now equals that for Powell, but let's not forget what Chris Powell achieved.
Well done and thanks Lee, there is no doubt you are now a Charlton legend.
Sometimes when an unexpected phenomena happens it is best not to analyse too much or question it.
With some people in all walks of life they don't always know how they do what they do, breaking it down to examine it runs the risk of not being able to put it back together.
It might not be possible to compare players at all levels of football, but the comparison of managers at all levels is pretty much justified. What can they do with what they've got, how do they play the hand dealt?
My attitude to Bowyer right now is don't especially question it, go with it. He is without doubt one of the very best Charlton managers in my supporting life. Certainly ranks alongside the wonderful Lennie if not edges him, and pushing Powell very hard right now. How he compares with Curbs remains to be seen.
If you need to have an idea about where Bowyer ranks alongside others, then contemplate Bowyer v Dowie as an example, where Dowie scores something like an 18 out of a 100.
We started the season with barely a squad, 5 players on the bench, a number of them unproven youngsters.
He has improved the squad leaps and bounds whilst spending £0, and almost every player who has signed for us has explicitly stated that Bowyer was one of the key motivations for coming here. Also, every player has improved whilst under him, and the belief he has instilled in the squad has been key to our progress.
On top of that he filled the valley, united the fanbase behind him and his team, got us playing great football again, into the Playoffs which absolutely no-one tipped us for at the start of the season (including a lot of us on here), and beating Sunderland in the final who everyone said would walk the league.
All in his first full year of Management with all sorts going on behind the scenes and the takeover related drama.
That he wasn't Manager of the Season I'll never understand. If we can keep him, the future is bright.
In the semi final, Morgan, who had never played in front of a crowd like that, looked like a rabbit in the headlights. He could of given him 15 minutes at half time, to see if he settled down. This may have been the safe choice. Bowyer hooked him, put on the old stager Darren Pratley.
Play off final. The 3-5-2 just didn't look like it was working. Nabby, who is very much a confidence player, had scored an own goal, and been booked. Bowyer had the courage to make the decision there and then, despite the scores were level, to hook Nabby, put on the warrior Pearce, and change formation.
Not many managers in their first full season would have been that decisive.
COURAGE!