LEE BOWYER keeps his sensitive side hidden beneath a thick layer of snarling unpleasantness, but the midfield player yesterday revealed an underdeveloped character trait. Bowyer’s protracted transfer from Newcastle United to Birmingham City has finally collapsed after he highlighted concerns about his personal safety, which is usually a fear for opposing players and, in the case of Kieron Dyer, a team-mate.
Bowyer will not be moving to St Andrew’s because, according to David Sullivan, Birmingham’s co-owner, he is “genuinely worried that one night there would be ten Asians waiting outside his house ready to kick seven bells out of him”. Bowyer was acquitted of all charges relating to an attack on an Asian student in Leeds four years ago, but was dissuaded from joining Birmingham after a vigorous internet campaign by supporters.
Another player whose long-term future continues to vex Newcastle is Craig Bellamy. Everton and Celtic, where the Wales international has just completed a loan spell, have made contact with Freddy Shepherd in recent days, but neither has agreed a fee and, in the case of the Scottish club, financial restrictions are evident. The Newcastle chairman would agree to another loan deal only as the last resort.
As things stand, Bellamy will be required to report back for pre-season training with Newcastle on Monday week. Blackburn Rovers are also keen on the centre forward, whose preference would be to join an English club capable of offering him Champions League football.
Graeme Souness retains an active interest in Luis Boa Morte, whom he pursued without success during the last transfer window. It had been assumed that the Portugal winger, who subsequently signed an extended contract at Craven Cottage, would leave Fulham for Liverpool, but Rafael Benítez does not, as yet, have unlimited funds.
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Souness’s admiration for the 28-year-old has not dimmed and although completing the transfer of Emre Belozoglu, Inter Milan’s Turkey international, is his next priority, the Scot needs to fill the left-wing position vacated by Laurent Robert. There is also interest in Luis Figo, but only if the Real Madrid player agrees to slash his present weekly wage of £90,000.
Newcastle have restructured their youth system by appointing Glenn Roeder, their former captain and formerly manager at West Ham United, as their academy manager. Roeder effectively replaces John Carver, who has left his position as academy director.