Lee Bowyer: Steve Gallen deserves maximum respect for job he did at Charlton Athletic
richard@slpmedia.co.uk
Lee Bowyer reckons the job that Steve Gallen did at Charlton Athletic should not be understated and says many of the deals done in recent years were not under his control.
The Addicks confirmed on Wednesday that the 49-year-old was leaving his role as director of recruiting.
Global Football Partners installed Andy Scott as technical director after their takeover of the League One club last month.
Former Charlton boss Bowyer worked with Gallen when they won promotion from League One in 2019.
“We brought in some bloody good players for next to nothing – we had no money,” Bowyer told the South London Press.
“We were ducking and diving. There were some unbelievable deals and it was a big part in us getting promotion, Steve played a part in that.
“The other side I’d touch on is that when it nearly went pear-shaped and we nearly went under he was a big person, organising everything and making sure it didn’t happen. People don’t know that.
“He worked his socks off and saved the club money. If he had to go somewhere to look at a player then he’d go to the cheapest airport, even if it was further away, to save the club a few quid. His heart was in it and he gave everything he could.
“I understand he has got a bit of stick in the last year or so (for transfer dealings) but he wasn’t in control of that.
“He wasn’t the person who had the final say, but because he was a big part of when we were successful then people automatically think you do.
“Back when I was there it was different because Roland [Duchatelet] just let us crack on – that’s why we were successful. Then other people come in and they want the final say. I can say this, because Steve can’t.
“Nine times out of 10 when we went to Roland about a player he would trust us – because we were winning. Sometimes we would have to go to some fella in Belgium (Thomas Driesen) and he would have input.
“We got Conor Gallagher on loan from Chelsea for next to nothing – look at him now. West Ham have just offered £40million for him and Chelsea have turned it down. Josh Cullen is now playing in the Premier League. Tom Lockyer is about to play in the Premier League and played at the World Cup for Wales – we got him on a free.
“Steve did a great job at Charlton – forget about the last couple of years.”
The Addicks kick off their League One season at home to Leyton Orient tomorrow. Striker Miles Leaburn (ankle) should be back before the end of this month. Chuks Aneke (calf) is also out.