Post by Taxigirl on Jun 22, 2005 8:37:29 GMT
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/4118198.stm
NAUGHTY BUT NICE
Newcastle midfielder Lee Bowyer turned down a move to Birmingham because he was concerned for his physical safety, according to David Sullivan.
"Steve Bruce, we thought, had talked him round," Blues co-owner Sullivan told the Birmingham Evening Mail.
"But he was genuinely worried that one night there would be 10 Asians waiting outside his house ready to kick seven bells out of him.
"We are not going to beg if someone clearly doesn't want to join us."
Sullivan added that the 28-year-old midfielder would welcome a move abroad.
"He told us that he would only leave Newcastle if a London club came in for him, or one from France," said Sullivan.
"Why France? Apparently he likes it and believes he could live quite anonymously over there."
But Sullivan underlined Birmingham's determination to press ahead and try to sign other targets ahead of the new season.
"We will battle on," he said. "We gave it our best shot, and we have lost this round - but there are others still to come.
". The search goes on."
Bowyer's move from Newcastle to Birmingham collapsed following protests by Blues fans.
NAUGHTY BUT NICE
Newcastle midfielder Lee Bowyer turned down a move to Birmingham because he was concerned for his physical safety, according to David Sullivan.
"Steve Bruce, we thought, had talked him round," Blues co-owner Sullivan told the Birmingham Evening Mail.
"But he was genuinely worried that one night there would be 10 Asians waiting outside his house ready to kick seven bells out of him.
"We are not going to beg if someone clearly doesn't want to join us."
Sullivan added that the 28-year-old midfielder would welcome a move abroad.
"He told us that he would only leave Newcastle if a London club came in for him, or one from France," said Sullivan.
"Why France? Apparently he likes it and believes he could live quite anonymously over there."
But Sullivan underlined Birmingham's determination to press ahead and try to sign other targets ahead of the new season.
"We will battle on," he said. "We gave it our best shot, and we have lost this round - but there are others still to come.
". The search goes on."
Bowyer's move from Newcastle to Birmingham collapsed following protests by Blues fans.