The fans were unreal, unbelievable… Lee Bowyer describes Leeds United supporters

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Lee Bowyer has looked back on his time with Leeds United.

Nicky Butt of Manchester United and Lee Bowyer of Leeds

Ex-Leeds United midfielder Lee Bowyer has told Charlton Athletic’s official Twitter account that he felt the Whites fans were ‘unreal’ on European nights.

Bowyer, now 40, came up through the ranks with Charlton, and his record of 14 goals in 58 games for the Addicks earned him a move to Leeds United in 1996, becoming the most expensive British teenager at that time.

The midfielder end up notching more than 250 appearances for Leeds, scoring 55 goals as he played a key role under David O’Leary in ‘glory days’ for the Whites.

Bowyer went on to two spells with West Ham, one either side of playing for Newcastle, and finished up his career with the likes of Birmingham City and Ipswich Town before retiring 2012.

Since retiring, Bowyer has turned his hand to coaching, and he has returned to first club Charlton in a coaching capacity, serving as Karl Robinson’s assistant at The Valley.

Now, Bowyer has told Charlton Athletic’s official Twitter account that he felt there was a strong relationship between the Leeds players and fans at that time, telling stories of his time with the club during their Champions League days.

Leeds United fans

Bowyer suggested that the players decided to integrate with the Leeds fans, singing songs with them during away trips around Europe whilst also working hard every week for the Elland Road faithful.

Bowyer called the Champions League days ‘unreal’, adding that the Leeds fans were ‘unbelievable’, as they created a stunning atmosphere to drive the Whites on in Europe.

“We integrated with them,” said Bowyer. “They respected us, and we respected them. We gave everything on the pitch, every week, and they couldn’t take that away from us, but they appreciated it.”

“When we went and played in Europe, all over the place, after a game they would get held behind, we’d get changed and come out, we’d have sing-songs with them. The whole stadium would be empty apart from our fans, and all the players would come out, and we’d have banter and sing-songs. Unreal, but the fans were unreal, unbelievable. On those European nights, the atmosphere was unreal,” he added.