Lee Bowyer targets talks with owner Duchatelet over his Charlton caretaker manager tag

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Lee Bowyer is hoping to hold talks with Charlton Athletic owner Roland Duchatelet this week to finally be appointed permanent manager.

The former Addicks, West Ham United, Leeds United and Newcastle midfielder took caretaker charge in March when Karl Robinson quit.

Bowyer led Charlton to the League One play-offs in May, where they narrowly lost to Shrewsbury Town, and has overseen all their summer transfer activity.

Duchatelet, who wants to sell the South London club, had indicated he would review the situation with Bowyer before the start of the League One season.

“I’m going to try and speak to him [Duchatelet] one day this week to see when we can have a conversation about it,” said Bowyer.

“I didn’t say anything until the end of August because my main priority was signing players and sorting out the squad. That was more important to me.

“But now that is done and August is gone. Hopefully we can try and sort something out regarding myself. That’s the plan.”

Asked if he saw any problems with his status being changed, Bowyer replied: “I can’t see why there would be.

“I don’t think I have done much wrong. I’ve been patient and we’ve had a decent start to the season, taking into account the amount of injuries we picked up.

“We haven’t been battered in any game and have played the top two. The loss at Sunderland was harsh and Peterborough definitely was harsh.

“Against Sunderland we were exceptional in the first half, then they got stronger and we didn’t have the bodies to change things around and freshen it up.

“We should have won at Accrington with the amount of chances we had, Fleetwood as well.

“We should be in a slightly better position, but with all the players coming back and a settled squad I’m excited – we should go on a run now.”