Charlton Athletic have begun their hunt for a replacement for Dean Holden following his sacking last night and have identified former manager Lee Bowyer as a potential candidate for the role, according to Darren Witcoop.
It was exclusively revealed last night by The Real EFL that Charlton Athletic had parted ways with Holden following a disasterous start to the season which saw them lose four of their opening five games. The club announced the decision just over an hour later as journalists, fans and pundits began to speculate who could be next for the Addicks. We produced an article discussing five potential, realistic targets for the club however one name we didn’t mention was Lee Bowyer, who is reportedly interested in a return.
Bowyer was dismissed Birmingham last summer in a decision that was highly criticised at the time. However, he has now had a year out of work and has watched on as first Ben Garner, then Dean Holden failed to get to grips with Charlton despite some clever recruitment this summer including the likes of Alfie May, Harry Isted and Tayo Edun. Bowyer enjoyed a reasonably successful time at The Valley and despite several high profile links has been unable to secure a role. With the timing of Holden’s departure, they need a manager that is not only available but also able to hit the ground running. The former boss’s previous time with the club could allow him to do just that and help him turn around the poor start.
EDIT: Local journalist Richard Cawley has since come out refuting the report from Darren Witcoop.
Writer’s View
Bowyer would be an interesting call, his stock is still high, he has knowledge of the club and is available. It ticks so many boxes for the new Addicks board, however I’m always wary of a return. This is a different team, built by Holden and Garner, in a highly competitive league with a new board in a very difficult situation with the transfer deadline fast approaching. If he is to join they need to get him in now so he can make the decisions he needs to on any late signings and also get to grips with his side before the next set of fixtures.