Lee Bowyer (again)

Today's Birmingham Evening Mail suggests Lee Bowyer is now manager Steve Bruce's "number one" target (see here). If this signing materialises, as I fear it will, I intend to withdraw all financial support from Birmingham City for the foreseeable future. I won't be the only one either - other Blues fans are unhappy at this move.

If you're eagle-eyed, you'll notice I've edited this post. While I still harbour severe doubts about Lee Bowyer's off-field activities, it should be pointed out that he himself has in the past attempted to refute the allegations of racism made against him, which you can read here. However, it is not just this which worries me - his on-the-field antics are not something to be proud of either, including the incident two years ago when Bowyer was banned for six European matches two years ago for stamping on an opponent's head. This was a deliberate, ugly act that is unfortunately not an isolated incident.

Steve Bruce is acclaimed for taking on troubled players and getting good results from them. Personally, I feel this is hyped a little too much, and maybe he feels he can do something magical with Lee Bowyer. Maybe he can - and if Lee Bowyer could shake off his past (both off and on the field) then perhaps he would be a credit to the community (which frankly is far more important than being a great football player for Blues). Sadly, I can't see this happening, and am dismayed that Bruce would pursue this target when it could mean significant disruption both inside and outside the club. Bruce's judge of character is severely lacking in my opinion, and it further undermines my support for this management.