Bowyer Talks at Early Stage
Saturday, 21st Apr 2012 07:30

Town manager Paul Jewell says he has so far only held preliminary talks with Lee Bowyer’s agent about the 35-year-old midfielder’s future.

The Blues boss says things are still at a very early stage with no firm contract offer yet on the table: “I spoke with Lee and his agent. With the economic climate people will have to take lower and lower wages these days. I’ve briefly spoken with his agent, but nothing’s set in stone.

“I’ve just had preliminary discussions with his agent. He’s a really good influence on the young players is Lee Bowyer.”

Jewell admits that that may come as a surprise to some: “He’s one of those people who until you get to meet him you don’t [know what he’s like]. You have these preconceived ideas of people, don’t you?

“I think he’s a really good influence with the young players, but obviously he’s not getting any younger and that has to be reflected in my decision.

“That decision hasn’t been made yet but I’ve spoken with his agent and he knows where we’re coming from.”

Meanwhile, Jewell says there have been no further developments regarding loanee Daryl Murphy: “I spoke with Daryl’s agent a couple of weeks ago. We’d like to keep him but that really depends on Celtic.

“He’s got a year to go at Celtic on decent dough, so I think that might be difficult for us to do.”

The Blues boss spoke with owner Marcus Evans earlier in the week and now knows how much cash he will have available this summer: “I needed to know roughly what I’ve got to spend.

“I’ve no problem with that, everyone’s the same. Our budget will be competitive but it’s not going to be off the chart.”

Photo: Action Images

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tractorintheloft added 07:32 - Apr 21 Don't do it!!! Use money to keep Lead Boots. we have an experienced journeyman in Bullard, if he ever gets back on side with PJ.
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Moscow_Blue added 07:52 - Apr 21 Not neeed - thank you and goodbye.
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walberswick added 08:23 - Apr 21 So the plan is to put out the same team as last year? Why can't Jewelio learn from his mistakes? is he stupid or stubborn?
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RichOBlue added 08:28 - Apr 21 Just can't understand this! Always seems to give his all but just doesn't have enough influence on the pitch anymore.
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Ipswich24 added 09:07 - Apr 21 We can't just employ people to be good role models when money is tight! If money is not an option to him then he should accept a pay as you play deal.
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footyblue added 09:22 - Apr 21 Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo not worth the money rather it was spent on younger players
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brendanh added 09:32 - Apr 21

Why is Jewell going on about signing up players like Bowyer and Leadboots, and yet saying we probably can't afford Murphy? Idea: let them both go and sign up Murphy on the same money as he's on at Celtic, he'll be far more important to our campaign next season. Hyam can play instead of Leadboots, and Bowyer's great personality doesn't make him any younger or capable of playing at this level. Bowyer's "great influence on our young players" is to keep them out of the team. How is this great for them?

Westcountryblue added 09:34 - Apr 21 Get rid, promote Hyam and utilise Bullard who is a far superior player
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jas0999 added 09:57 - Apr 21

A very poor decision. I know PJ likes older players, but seriously - Bowyer has been poor. Surely his wages would be better spent elsewhere? It also adds to the argument that the treatment of the younger players like Hyam is far from acceptable. It's little wonder our younger players from the academy refuse offers of contracts whilst we have a manager who prefers old to new. Disappointing stuff - but typical Paul Jewell.

tortoise added 10:18 - Apr 21

Everyone who has been offered a new contract has been offered one on reduced terms. We can only assume that if Bowyer was offered a contract then it would reflect what PJ thinks he can offer. He has not been a regular recently so we can assume he wouldn't be next. Bowyer would be free to accept or reject. I'm quite happy to go with PJ on this. Bowyer has had is off field problems but on the field i think his attitude has been almost impeccable throughout his career and this can be a very imprtant thing in a squad.

PauloJulio added 10:22 - Apr 21 Lets not get to the advanced stage of talks, he's old and past it!
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beerhelps added 10:31 - Apr 21 Bringing this man to the club has been wrong on so many levels. I can not this of a single reason to consider keeping him here.
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beerhelps added 10:37 - Apr 21 sorry, that should read 'think'.
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KirstyM86 added 10:42 - Apr 21 Nooooooo! Please tell me this is a joke or a very bad dream!? I didn't even think Jewell would consider renewing this donkeys contract!
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afrodids added 11:58 - Apr 21 Why waste the money with him gone and leadboots departure immanent why not use the money for boyd and coppinger. If JB can pull his socks up next year a choice of midfield from Hyam,drury,boyd, bullard, stevenson and coppinger is not looking a bad shout! COYB
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RaymondovicBlue added 12:56 - Apr 21 Too expensive to justify even a reduced wage if all he is going to do is sit on the bench - which is the very best I hope he does here with all the other emerging players we have. I'm sure the coaching staff can influence the young players (isn't that what THEY are paid for?) and leave the playing budget free for those who will play a part
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Lightningboy added 14:59 - Apr 21 PJ do not waste anymore of our time or money on Bowyer..bring in someone younger & more talented,please.
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Ipswichbusiness added 18:48 - Apr 21 Of course we don't know just how reduced the new offer is; it may be that it is a complete joke intended to provoke him to go elsewhere. Otherwise I agree with most of the above posts. I see no merit in retaining either Bowyer or Leadbitter. The money should be spent on hiring a couple of quality defenders.
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NSL added 00:55 - Apr 22 A good influence on the youngsters? I am sure that putting the £25k per week towards CAT1 academy status would be a better influence.
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