Charlton manager, Lee Bowyer, has thanked Birmingham fans for the support that they showed towards him during Saturday's game at The Valley.

The former Birmingham midfielder played a massive part in the Blues' Carling Cup victory back in 2011 when they lifted the trophy after beating Arsenal in the final.

It was a special moment for the manager, who met his former club for the first-time since getting in the dugout at Charlton

Bowyer was delighted with the reception but also surprised by how much the fans appreciated the hard work that he put in whilst at the club.

As quoted by bcfc.com, Bowyer said: "I just really want to say thanks for their acknowledgement and support, there wasn't the chance to do that at the end of the game.

"To be honest, I didn't think it would be that loud and obvious, as in blatantly singing for an opposition manager!

"I said before the game in the press I did think that I might get a nice reaction from the Birmingham fans - but I didn't expect it to that extent, and not while the game was going on.

"We had good times there, some great memories, and I think the fans appreciated the hard work I put in for them and the Club.

"It was a bit difficult, too, as obviously I'm Charlton manager and I wanted to show Birmingham's fans respect as well as ours.

"It was fine, I think everyone understood. It was something that was a nice thing to do and I want them to know it was appreciated."

The Verdict

Bowyer had a great time at Birmingham, and he was delighted at how much they appreciated his time at the club.

It's always lovely to see and I think Charlton supporters will have understood the circumstances that he was under, and, of course, know why he felt good about how the Birmingham fans treated him.

It was a shame about the result for Bowyer, but it's good he's put this statement out, just shows how much of a gentlemen he is in the way he acts.