Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer has insisted that the Premier League 'needs' Leeds United.

The 43-year-old spent seven seasons with Leeds in the top-flight, scoring 55 goals in 265 appearances for the club. Howard Wilkinson brought him in from Charlton for £2.8 million in 1996 - making Bowyer the most expensive British teenager at the time.

Bowyer's best career spell was with Leeds, having made his only appearance for England whilst at the club, before differing spells with West Ham, Newcastle United, Birmingham City and Ipswich and Town.

Speaking on TalkSport, Bowyer gave his verdict on Leeds' season, and whether or not they deserve to be promoted to the Premier League after a 16 year hiatus:

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“I’m delighted for Leeds and to be fair they deserve to go up, they are the best side in our division. I think Leeds deserve to be in the Premier League, and I think the Premier League needs Leeds, needs their support.

“It’s a great atmosphere and a great ground to play there, so yeah they should be in the Premier League. I have no doubt, if we do finish the season I believe they will be in the top two, they’re the best side in the league.”

Bowyer has been a proud advocate of finishing the season as it is, with neither relegation or promotion, and a loud protagonist of finishing the season with a points-per-game structure.

Said points-per-game structure would see Leeds and West Brom promoted, but would see Charlton relegated back to League One after a single season back in the Championship.

The verdict

Leeds fans should only have fond memories of Bowyer. He was a better player than many give him credit for, and he speaks for a lot of football fans when he says he wants to see Leeds back in the Premier League, and back challenging once again.