Lee Bowyer makes return to Birmingham City as ex-Charlton boss is named as Aitor Karanka’s successor

Lee Bowyer has been confirmed as the new head coach of Birmingham City, signing a deal with the club until June 2023.

Bowyer resigned as Charlton boss on Monday after being approached by his former side - who he featured for in his playing career - about taking over the reins at the Championship strugglers following Aitor Karanka's departure.

Bowyer is Birmingham's seventh permanent manager in the space of just four years.

talkSPORT understands Bowyer had maintained dialogue with Birmingham hierarchy for some time having come close to joining the Blues in the summer, only for Karanka to pip him to the job.

Bowyer told the club's website: “I’m absolutely delighted and it’s great to be back.

“I’ve already seen some of the old faces from when I was here last and I’m just really looking forward to getting to work.

“My priority is to lift everybody. Not just the players, the staff as well. It seems like it’s not been in a very good place, so I’ve got to lift them.

“I’ve got to try and implement what I want very quickly. The team will improve, I have no doubt about that but we already have a good base to work with.

“I’m gutted the fans aren’t here because I know the part they would play. When I was here as a player it was an unreal atmosphere. I know how important they are but unfortunately we can’t change that.

“We have to pull together as a Club to make sure we are in this division next season so the fans can come back and appreciate what we do in this short space of time.”