This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Steve Gallen has claimed that Lee Bowyer needs to be given a longer contract at Charlton Athletic for the sake of the club, as reported by London News Online.
What did he say?
The Addicks’ Director of Football has claimed that Bowyer and the club would massively benefit from the manager being offered a longer contract.
Bowyer signed a one-year deal during the summer, but it has now been suggested that Roland Duchatelet should offer the 42-year-old extended terms.
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The senior figure at Charlton was quoted in London News Online as saying: “Lee’s contract is up in the summer and he needs to be given a longer contract, he needs to be given some type of stability. We’re desperate for it. Lee really wants that.
“Roland is aware of this and he is no fool. But he feels that potential buyers might stall if they want to bring in their own people and see that it will cost them a lot to get the current team out. But I agree with the fans that Lee must be given a longer contract. We need to stop planning window to window and start thinking longer term.”
He went on to add: “I do worry about Lee leaving sometimes. I speak to him about it and I know he doesn’t want to go anywhere. I don’t really know what you can do apart from voice it, maybe at games. Roland watches the games and if the fans are singing things – in a dignified and positive way – it will get heard.”
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Getting stability
Bowyer can be seen as an integral part of Charlton’s recent climb, as he has been excelling on a shoestring budget and meeting Duchatelet’s challenge of balancing success with financial stability.
Therefore, it would be a massive blow for the club if Bowyer was to leave over disputes regarding the contract he is offered.
The summer’s events saw fans given a taste of what it could feel like to see the former Charlton player leave the Valley, as he came close to walking through the exit door.
When it is considered that he has taken Charlton up from League One and now has them just six points off the play-off spots, despite the financial limitations he is under, the club should be doing all they can to make sure he stays.
