Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United travel to The Valley next week for a Championship clash away at Charlton Athletic.
Charlton Athletic manager Lee Bowyer has admitted to the Daily Mail (23 September, page 117) that he is expecting a loving reception from the Leeds United fans during next Saturday’s Championship clash at Elland Road.
The Leeds supporters might be famed for their ability to, let’s say make life ‘difficult’ for the opposition, as Derby County’s pantomime villain Richard Keogh will no doubt attest. But Bowyer, a hero of that glorious Champions League run in 2001, can expect to get a better response than The Rams’ wild-eyed centre-back at least.
The former England international made over 250 appearances for The Whites between 1996 and 2003 and he is fondly remembered in West Yorkshire.
And while Leeds will be desperate to get back to winning ways at the Valley after the most frustrating of draws with Derby County, Bowyer believes Saturday’s reunion will be a happy one – at least initially.
“I’d be surprised if Leeds fans didn’t give me a good reception next week,” said Bowyer, whose Charlton side have lost both of their last two games after an excellent start.
“I gave them everything for six-and-a-half years. People still talk about that Leeds side today and it has a special place in my heart.”
Who knows, one day Bowyer could be sitting in the home dugout at Elland Road.
His managerial career has gone from strength to strength since Charlton gave him his big break with the 42-year-old guiding the Addicks from the depths of League One to the top half of the Championship, even with the spectre of Roland Duchatelet looming ominously over The Valley.
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